Spain pushes EU investment rules amid surge of Chinese auto projects

Spain has become a leading destination for Chinese electric‑vehicle and battery manufacturers. Major projects include Leapmotor's plant in Zaragoza, a joint venture between CATL and Stellantis in Aragon that will bring about 1,700 Chinese workers and train roughly 4,000 Spanish staff, Ford and Geely's SUV production in Valencia, and SAIC's halted factory in Galicia. Other investors such as AESC Battery Spain (Envision) aim for 40% European employment and management by 2030.

Spanish authorities are urging the European Union to adopt uniform, stricter rules on foreign investment to prevent a race to the bottom among member states. They propose a “Made in Europe” framework that would require foreign investors to use European components, create local jobs, transfer technology and limit control over strategic assets. The EU is also preparing tighter trade measures with Beijing as part of this discussion.