Brussels, 29 May 2026 – The European Democratic Party (EDP) welcomes the European Commission’s growing recognition that Europe must take a more realistic and strategic approach towards China.
For too long, Europe underestimated the risks associated with excessive dependencies, unfair competition and economic coercion. The geopolitical and economic realities of today require a new mindset. The time for European naivety on China is over.
Economic security, industrial resilience and strategic sovereignty must become central pillars of European policy. Europe cannot accept market distortions, state-subsidised overcapacity, unfair competition or strategic dependencies that undermine our economic strength and political autonomy.
“Europe must be able to defend its interests and protect its strategic sectors,” said Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party and Member of the European Parliament. “A stronger European approach to China is not about confrontation. It is about ensuring reciprocity, fairness and resilience in a rapidly changing world.”
Engin Eroglu, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China, added: “Europe must act with unity and confidence. We need an approach that is firm, pragmatic and guided by European interests. Strategic sovereignty means reducing vulnerabilities while preserving our ability to engage globally from a position of strength.”
The EDP supports a stronger and more united European response based on reciprocity, resilience and strategic autonomy. At the same time, Europe’s objective is not decoupling. Europe must avoid both naivety and bloc politics.
The European Union should continue to engage with China where cooperation serves mutual interests, while remaining uncompromising in defending fair competition, economic security and the integrity of the European single market.
Europe’s China policy must be European: firm where necessary, open where possible, and always guided by our own interests and values.
