1. The European Commission is investigating subsidies provided to suppliers of Chinese wind turbines for Europe.
2. The investigation is part of the EU’s strategy to protect domestic companies from low-cost imports of clean technology.
3. The probe will utilise new EU powers to determine if foreign subsidies give unfair advantages in public tenders.
The European Commission is investigating subsidies provided to Chinese wind turbine suppliers for Europe as part of its strategy to protect domestic companies from low-cost imports. This investigation will use new EU powers to determine if foreign subsidies give businesses an unfair advantage in public tenders. EU anti-trust commissioner Margrethe Vestager announced the scrutiny of wind park development conditions in Spain, Greece, France, Romania, and Bulgaria. The commission aims to prevent a repeat of the solar panel crisis, expressing a need for fairness in economic relations, particularly as Chinese wind turbine makers gain traction in the European market. European manufacturers like Siemens Energy and Vestas, facing increased competition, are supported by industry groups in this investigation, as Chinese turbines are offered at significantly lower prices with deferred payments. Critics cite potential parallels with the solar market crisis, emphasizing concerns over unfair trade advantages. The commission is also considering tariffs on Chinese EV imports, citing similar concerns about subsidy benefits. However, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU has expressed dissatisfaction with the perception of discrimination and protectionism in the EU’s actions.