EU weighs new tool to counter China's industrial overcapacity
The European Commission is considering a new instrument to address Chinese overcapacity and risky dependencies, while holding back its existing trade 'bazooka' for now. Separately, EU defense ministers meeting in Ireland are focused on Ukraine's needs.
Concern is growing in Brussels over the European Union's economic relationship with China, even as the bloc holds off on deploying its most powerful trade defense measures. The EU already has access to the so-called trade 'bazooka,' a strong defensive mechanism, but the European Commission is now weighing a new, additional tool aimed specifically at tackling Chinese industrial overcapacity and the risky dependencies it creates for Europe.
Journalist Camille Gijs discussed the issue in an interview with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. The findings from that conversation were then discussed by hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart on the Brussels Playbook podcast.
Ukraine tops defense ministers' agenda
Separately, EU defense ministers are gathering in Ireland today for talks where Ukraine is the central topic. A key question under discussion is whether the bloc can help address Kyiv's shortage of missile interceptors, a pressing need for Ukraine's air defenses.
Questions swirl around right-wing think tank MCC Brussels
The episode also touches on the situation at MCC Brussels, one of Europe's most prominent right-wing think tanks, with hosts examining whether the organization is currently falling apart or instead transforming into a new kind of entity.
