China/tariffs: Quote from Bas Eickhout MEP

Commenting on today's decision on tariffs against China, Bas Eickhout, co-chair of the Greens/EFA group, said:

“It is good that the EU paves the way for taking action. At the same time, tariffs can never be the only course of action - our lack of a serious industrial policy has brought us here and in the long term our car industry will only thrive with certainty around policies, a clear roadmap on the transition and investments in the workforce. Tariffs should be used to counter unfair competition on environmental and social practices and not purely as a tool for protectionism. Ultimately we need competitive European car industry that drives innovation and green tech.”