EU will be assertive with new trade defence tools

Significance First cases pursued under the FSR show it could be one of the most far-reaching of the strategic autonomy measures introduced under this Commission. One Chinese company has already withdrawn from a public procurement tender in Bulgaria, and other cases are in progress. Impacts Chinese companies investing in solar, wind, chips and electric vehicles are particularly vulnerable to FSR investigations. The EU may use FSR against US companies should transatlantic trade relations deteriorate under a Donald Trump presidency. The growing consensus favouring an assertive approach to China will not be damaged by the result of June's European Parliament elections.