EU shifts toward unified trade defense against China

The summit marks a decisive shift in European policy, driven by a joint blueprint from French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Diplomats describe the emerging consensus as a surprising departure from previous internal divisions regarding Beijing. The proposed trade package, expected by year-end, aims to dismantle long-standing dependencies on Chinese inputs that have left the European market vulnerable to significant macroeconomic imbalances.

Parliament President Roberta Metsola noted that the historical friction between Paris and Berlin on economic strategy has largely dissipated. Despite this political alignment, the path forward remains complex. Commission officials have tempered expectations for immediate results, warning that reversing these entrenched trade statistics is a long-term challenge that will not be resolved in the coming months. The bloc remains braced for potential escalation, even as it navigates the technical hurdles of implementing such a sweeping industrial recalibration.