The European Parliament approved a recommendation calling for reciprocal trade and reduced dependence on China in strategic sectors. Lawmakers want stronger investment screening and protection of critical technologies while maintaining dialogue with Beijing. The vote passed by 454 to 86, with 110 abstentions; the recommendation guides other EU institutions rather than imposing a new tariff.
The European Parliament adopted a recommendation on relations between the European Union and China, calling for reciprocal market access alongside continued dialogue. The October 7 vote passed with 454 in favour, 86 against and 110 abstentions. The recommendation is addressed to other EU institutions and does not itself introduce a tariff or trade restriction.[1], [2]
Lawmakers called for stronger investment screening and protection of critical technologies, infrastructure and supply chains. They identified critical raw materials, medicines, batteries, electric vehicles, information and communication technology, and semiconductors as areas where economic dependence requires attention. Parliament described China’s industrial overcapacity, state subsidies and market-entry barriers as growing challenges for European companies.[1]
The recommendation supports balanced EU measures if China does not adequately open its markets. It also proposes stronger Global Gateway partnerships, the EU’s international investment initiative, particularly in Africa and Latin America, as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.[1]
Parliament called for cooperation on peace, security and climate, a stronger human rights dialogue and the release of political prisoners. Parliament reaffirmed the EU’s One China policy while opposing a unilateral change to Taiwan’s status quo by force or coercion. Direct parliamentary contacts with Chinese authorities resumed last year after the suspension that followed China’s sanctions on European lawmakers in 2021.[1]
