Editorial: Le Monde

• The Brussels Commission is ready to significantly increase tariffs on imports of electric vehicles manufactured in China.
• This decision comes in response to calls for increased protectionism following the European elections.
• This action is the result of an investigation that highlights the substantial public subsidies that Chinese manufacturers receive.
• The EU plans to offset this distortion with taxes of up to 48%, as compared with the current 10%.
• The Commission demonstrates that China is not the model member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) it claims to be.
• The imposition of tariffs also sends a clear message to Beijing.
• The EU may now be exposed to retaliatory measures, despite taking care in justifying its criticisms.
• It is essential to maintain the unity of the Twenty-seven, despite the possible side effects of these tariffs.

Conclusion: It is crucial for the European Union to demonstrate unity and firmness on this matter, both to maintain its credibility and to protect its industrial interests and jobs in the future.

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