Manfred Weber, a leading figure in the European People’s Party (EPP) and a key voice in the European Parliament, emphasizes that the EU must shield its economy from intense global competition, particularly from China, even as cooperation with Beijing remains important. The comment underscores a broader push to protect European competitiveness in the markets of the future. The call-to-action is clear: Europe should avoid naivety and reinforce its economic stance without severing valuable ties with Beijing.
Weber argues that collaboration with China should continue, but not at the expense of European interests. The core message is pragmatic: it is not necessary to burn bridges, yet Europe needs to recalibrate its approach to maintain a robust industrial base and sustain innovative momentum. The overarching aim is a balanced relationship that allows for strategic cooperation while guarding the EU’s technological and economic resilience.
Beijing, Weber contends, is intent on expanding access to future technologies and markets through aggressive competitive tactics. This includes efforts to dominate new energy and tech sectors, with photovoltaic panels cited as a notable example of how China seeks to secure leadership in emerging technologies. The takeaway is a warning to the EU: competition will intensify, and Europe must respond with prudent, well-designed policies that protect domestic capabilities and encourage home-grown innovation.
Meanwhile, a contrasting perspective arrived from Jim Ratcliffe, British billionaire and chairman of the petrochemical group Ineos. Ratcliffe criticized EU bureaucracy as a deterrent to investment, suggesting that regulatory hurdles push companies to invest outside the bloc. He pointed to a hypothetical scenario in which a €4 billion Belgian investment might not have occurred if the administrative environment had been clearer from the outset.
Ratcliffe also weighed in on the EU’s Green Deal, arguing that decarbonization efforts must be harmonized with a strong industrial strategy. The implication is straightforward: green ambitions should not come at the expense of competitiveness, and policy design should actively support manufacturing and industrial sectors.
In another public statement from Germany, concerns were raised about the erosion of trust between employers and government. The sentiment reflects a broader tension in EU policy: how to align regulatory ambitions with business confidence and investment incentives, especially in sectors that drive economic growth and technological leadership.