Editorial: Le Monde

• The European Union (EU) has approved the establishment of import taxes on electric vehicles from China.
• This decision is the result of an investigation that revealed the massive public aid that Chinese manufacturers receive.
• The additional tariffs can go up to 35.3% of the vehicle's price, in addition to the 10% customs duties already in effect.
• The EU was forced to take measures to protect its industry against practices considered unfair.
• Germany, Hungary, Malta, Slovenia, and Slovakia opposed these tariff barriers.
• In economic terms, no miracle is expected from this protectionism.

Conclusion: Protectionism is not an end in itself, but merely a step and a means by which Europe can level up to Chinese competition to accelerate the ecological transition.

---