Key facts
- The EU is prepared to retaliate against China if unfair trade practices are not addressed by an October deadline.
- The EU is exploring new trade instruments to counter China's market access restrictions and low-cost exports.
- A top MEP considers the October deadline for tangible results in EU-China trade talks unrealistic for a binding agreement.
- Addressing China's industrial subsidies is a key demand in EU-China trade discussions.
- European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is considering stepping down before her term ends in 2027.
- Lagarde's potential early exit aims to influence French election debates and ensure a 'European voice'.
- Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged technical issues with the EU's new digital Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Airlines and airports report significant delays due to EES technical problems, impacting millions of passengers.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a strong warning to China, stating that the European Union is prepared to retaliate if Beijing fails to address unfair trade practices by an October deadline. The EU is actively developing new trade instruments to combat China's restrictive market access policies and its influx of low-cost exports. This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about the EU's trade relationship with China, with a focus on rebalancing economic ties.
However, the feasibility of achieving significant progress by the stated deadline is being questioned. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's trade committee, has described the October deadline for "tangible results" in trade talks with China as unrealistic, especially if the goal is a binding agreement. Lange specifically highlighted the necessity of addressing China's practices regarding industrial subsidies, a complex issue that may require more time for negotiation and resolution.
In a separate development, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is reportedly contemplating an early departure from her position, which is currently set to conclude in 2027. Her potential resignation is motivated by a desire to shape the discourse surrounding the upcoming French presidential election and to ensure that a "European voice" is prominently featured in the political debate. This move could have significant implications for both the ECB and the political landscape in France.
Furthermore, Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged existing technical problems with the EU's new digital Entry/Exit System (EES). This admission marks a departure from previous statements that downplayed potential disruptions. The EES, designed to streamline border controls, is currently experiencing technical issues that are leading to considerable delays for airlines and impacting millions of passengers at airports across the bloc. The full extent of these disruptions and the timeline for resolving the technical glitches remain subjects of concern.