The Chinese University of Political Science and Law recently published an analytical article titled "Three New Types of EU Industrial Subsidies in the Name of Ecological Transformation," which analyzes and categorizes EU policies into "three new types" based on historical development, aiming to comprehensively reveal the complete picture of relevant EU measures and the essence of its subsidy policies in the name of ecological transformation.

On August 20, 2024, the European Commission issued a final decision on the anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (AS689), planning to impose countervailing duties ranging from 17% to 36.3% on Chinese export companies (Tesla's separate tariff rate is 9%).

The article points out that this move by the EU is behind a new round of global efforts to address climate change and achieve ecological transformation. In recent years, many countries have identified "three new products" (photovoltaic products, electric vehicles, and lithium batteries) as priorities for industrial development, and the European Union is a typical example. While the EU strongly condemns the subsidies introduced by the US "Inflation Reduction Act," it is simultaneously increasing its subsidies for these "three new products" within its member states.

The article highlights that while the EU outwardly monitors and restricts the implementation of state aid by member states that distorts the market through legal regulations, it has established a wide range of exceptions. Under the pretext of supporting ecological development and transformation, and continuously expanding the scope of exceptions for the EU and its member states, it leaves sufficient room and flexibility for subsidies for these "three new products." Many EU member states, organizations, and companies in the automotive industry, think tanks, and scientists have expressed their views, pointing out that this anti-subsidy measure is protectionism in the name of "fair trade," and that there is no need to fear competition when supporting the development of the electric vehicle industry in the EU.

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CMG / gnews.cz-jav_07