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With Ukraine on the prime of the EU’s agenda and its dependence on China rising, European leaders tried to current a united entrance at their summit this week in Brussels on the place to take the connection.
Paradoxically, the information is that nothing notably new got here out of the two-day summit. The ultimate revealed conclusions of the EU leaders’ assembly haven’t modified from the draft model seen by EUobserver and dated Wednesday.
Though billed as a brand new strategic dialogue, there was not a lot dialogue — as migration overshadowed the remainder of the agenda.
But additionally as a result of issues associated to relations with Beijing had been concluded earlier than the summit even began, EU diplomats informed EUobserver — so particulars on boundaries, clear definitions, financial safety considerations, and doable export controls weren’t on the desk on Thursday and Friday (29-30 June).
Member states once more known as on China to place stress on Russia to finish the battle and withdraw its troops instantly, and expressed their worries about Taiwan and respect for human rights.
But the primary consensus was as soon as once more: ‘de-risking sure, decoupling no’.
“We have to de-risk, economically in addition to diplomatically,” EU Fee president Ursula von der Leyen informed reporters at a press convention after the summit, which means the EU desires to sort out its deep financial ties with China whereas conserving clear points the place they agree and disagree.
The understanding was reached “shortly”, displaying “unity” in the direction of China, EU Council president Charles Michel added. “We all know what we wish, and we’re all on the identical web page”.
Decreasing the bloc’s dependence on China, particularly for essential uncooked supplies, doesn’t imply “decoupling or turning inwards”, the conclusions doc states.
For Josep Borrell, the EU’s overseas affairs chief, de-risking is the EU’s “obligation” and “mission”. One that can take a very long time. “The earlier we begin, the higher,” he mentioned on the sidelines of the EU summit on Thursday (June 29).
Borrell added: “We need not negotiate with China about de-risking. We have to establish the dangers and put an answer to them”.
That was the extent of the EU leaders’ dialogue, which didn’t final lengthy sufficient to reveal any disunity amongst member states.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic relations with China have turn into extra complicated than ever, and financial considerations have heightened — because the EU doesn’t profit as a lot as Beijing from this relationship.
“The European Union will search to make sure a stage enjoying area in order that the commerce and financial relationship is balanced, reciprocal and mutually helpful,” the conclusions learn.
China is the biggest associate for EU imports of products, however in return solely the third-largest for EU exports. By 2022, the EU’s items commerce deficit reached €396bn.
Some voices, comparable to Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas, are proposing bolder measures to rebalance the enjoying area, comparable to relocating European provide chains from China.
“We additionally see what occurs if you’re related to companions who do not share the identical values. Given the safety state of affairs we’re in, […] ensure you’re related to associates,” Kallas mentioned on arriving on the summit.
For the reason that launch of the EU’s Inexperienced Deal plans, the state of affairs has turn into extra worrying, as a result of enormous improve in imports, such because the lithium wanted for the batteries of electrical automobiles, or the photo voltaic photovoltaic panels that can allow the vitality transition to renewables.
Beijing’s personal industrial coverage has additionally shifted in the direction of self-sufficiency and native manufacturing, decreasing imports from European international locations comparable to Germany.
At the moment, the EU plan is to maintain taking a look at China as a associate, competitor and systemic rival, however how one can keep the EU’s relationship with its largest associate whereas decreasing the diplomatic and financial dangers stays a roadmap missing instructions.
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