Macron's Allies Push for Tougher EU Trade Defence Against China

A group of European Union member states led by France is calling on Brussels to take stronger action against global competitors, particularly China. The push comes days before a strategic European Commission debate on future relations with Beijing, according to a document prepared by France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Lithuania, as reported by Euractiv.

The countries argue that the current rules-based trading system is being increasingly undermined by "unfair trade practices" and state support for foreign firms. They are calling on the EU to consider creating a broader instrument to protect trade across multiple sectors.

The document also raises the possibility of introducing additional tariffs or tariff quotas to protect European producers in strategic areas where China holds a dominant position, including raw materials and precious metals. Tariff quotas have long been Paris's preferred instrument.

The proposal comes amid rising trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing. The EU's trade deficit with China reached 360 billion euro in 2025, up around 20% year on year.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously proposed introducing "US-style protective measures" similar to tariffs. Notably, neither Germany nor Poland is among the document's signatories.

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