European Commission Weighs New Trade Weapons Against China as EU's 27 States Split
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 6
European Commission Weighs New Trade Weapons Against China as EU's 27 States Split
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 6
Summary
Brussels is reviewing whether its current trade defenses are strong enough against China and considering new tools as cheap Chinese imports squeeze EU industry, cost jobs and deepen de-industrialisation fears.
The push comes after 2025 became the first year every EU member ran a trade deficit with Beijing, reinforcing Ursula von der Leyen's long-running warning that Europe faces growing economic dependencies and security risks.
Existing measures have produced mixed results: the EU imposed extra tariffs on Chinese EVs and moved against Huawei and ZTE, but member states blocked stronger export controls and shelved an outbound-investment screening tool.
Germany and Spain remain under scrutiny for close business ties with China, while diplomats say fear of retaliation—after Beijing's rare-earth curbs and threats to "resolutely retaliate"—still drives divisions among the bloc's 27 governments.
As the EU forces a costly break from Chinese suppliers, are consumers ready to foot the bill for economic security?
With China controlling 90% of key minerals, is the EU's 'rule of three' a realistic strategy or a fantasy?
EU’s 3-Source Supply Rule: Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience and Strategic Autonomy in 2026
Overview
In June 2026, the European Union advanced the '3-Source Supply Rule,' a legislative proposal requiring companies to secure at least three different sources for their critical supplies. This rule aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce risks from over-reliance on single suppliers. The proposal has entered a crucial negotiation phase involving the European Commission, Parliament, and member states, reflecting its importance at the highest levels of EU governance. Building on existing policies that encourage diversification, the rule is being shaped to address vulnerabilities and ensure businesses are better protected against future disruptions.