EU-China Trade Tensions Rise Over 'Made in Europe' Rules, MEPs Debate Options

Trade tensions between the European Union and China have intensified after Beijing urged EU member states to revise the bloc’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation. The draft law seeks to tighten rules for foreign companies wishing to participate in EU public procurement contracts or benefit from investment opportunities, aiming to bolster Europe’s industrial capacity. China’s commerce ministry warned that if the EU proceeds with what it called punitive measures, Beijing will respond with counter‑measures.

The issue was debated on the Euronews programme “The Ring” inside the European Parliament in Brussels. Greek MEP Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D) argued for a pragmatic approach, saying Europe must stay open to cooperation with China while avoiding naiveté. Spanish MEP Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP) warned that China’s export restrictions represent an escalation of trade weaponisation and called for de‑risking rather than full decoupling. The debate highlighted the challenge of balancing protection of European industry with the risk of a full‑scale trade conflict.

The episode was anchored by Stefan Grobe and produced by Luis Albertós and Amaia Echevarria, with editing by Vassilis Glynos.