According to foreign media reports, Germany has expressed support for the European Union's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. However, they also clearly stated that if specific actions are to be taken post-investigation, the burden of proof will be "very high."
On September 22, Joerg Kukies, the chief economic advisor to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, commented at the Atlantic Council forum in Berlin, "Naturally, if we endorse the key elements of free trade, we all must act according to the rules."
He further added that the EU's move is "very normal," and there is reason for the EU to investigate the existence of "unfair subsidies." Meanwhile, he emphasized, "The threshold for proof and evidence is very high."
China has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the anti-subsidy investigation launched by the European Commission, viewing the planned investigation measures as blatant protectionist actions, cloaked in the name of "fair competition" to protect their own industries.
Insiders revealed that on September 23, Valdis Dombrovskis, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission, began a four-day visit to China. He will take this opportunity to try to ease the tensions brought about by the anti-subsidy investigation.
Kukies also discussed the US "Inflation Reduction Act." The "Inflation Reduction Act" is a $370 billion comprehensive plan, aiming to support US companies in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
He mentioned that Europe "should not be overly anxious about this plan" as national governments have the "fiscal capability and willingness" to match such a plan. He cited Germany's investment of 112 billion euros (equivalent to 119 billion USD) next year for decarbonization.
Kukies stated, "In principle, this is very similar to the US's 'Inflation Reduction Act.'"
