EU Urged to Adopt Strategic Confrontation with China Amid Growing Economic and Defense Dependencies (iss.europa.eu)

• EU trade deficit with China nears €1 billion per day.
• France Stratégie: 55% of EU industrial base at risk long-term.
• Author calls for tariffs, European procurement preference, and protection of strategic sectors.

"A commentary by EUISS director Steven Everts argues that the EU must urgently hold a strategic debate on China rather than postponing it. The EU trade deficit with China is approaching €1 billion per day, with thousands of manufacturing jobs lost monthly in Germany. France’s planning agency warns that 55% of the EU’s industrial base is at risk long-term. Everts calls for tariffs in vulnerable sectors, European preference in public procurement, and greater protection of strategic industries. He warns that without decisive action, Europe will pay a much higher price later."