The EU will detail Apple’s requirements for enhancing interoperability with key features like notifications and device connectivity. Devamını Oku
European Union member states are preparing for a crucial vote on Friday to determine whether to impose tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed tariffs follow a year-long anti-subsidy investigation, which concluded that Chinese EVs benefit from unfair government subsidies, distorting competition within the EU market. The vote comes amid concerns of potential retaliation from Beijing, which has already initiated its own probes into European imports.
The European Commission, which manages trade policy for the bloc, has proposed the tariffs for the next five years. However, under EU rules, the decision requires a qualified majority, meaning 15 EU countries representing 65% of the bloc’s population must support or reject the proposal. If the vote is split, the Commission can still move forward with the tariffs but may also opt to amend the proposal to gain broader support.
France, Italy, Greece, and Poland have reportedly voiced their support for the tariffs, ensuring there won’t be a blocking majority against the measures. Meanwhile, Germany, the EU’s largest economy and a major car producer, is expected to vote against the tariffs. German automakers, such as Volkswagen, have expressed strong opposition, citing the significant share of their sales that come from the Chinese market, which accounts for almost a third of their global revenue. Volkswagen has labeled the proposed tariffs as “the wrong approach.”
The stance of Spain has shifted in recent days. Previously in favor of tariffs, Spanish officials have now called for a continuation of negotiations rather than imposing immediate duties. In a letter to European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, Spain’s economy minister suggested seeking a deal on prices and relocating battery production to the EU. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had also indicated a desire to reconsider the EU’s position during his visit to China.
While some EU countries remain cautious of China’s reaction, the bloc’s relationship with China has become more complex over the past five years. The EU now views China not only as a partner but also as a competitor and systemic rival. In light of China’s 3 million surplus EV production capacity — double the size of the EU market — Europe has emerged as the most viable market for Chinese exports, especially given the 100% tariffs imposed by the United States and Canada on Chinese EVs.
The Commission remains open to further negotiations with China, considering alternatives to tariffs. A possible solution could involve setting minimum import prices based on various criteria, including EV range, battery performance, and vehicle specifications. The current tariff proposal includes additional duties of 7.8% for Tesla and 35.3% for SAIC and other non-cooperating companies, on top of the EU’s standard 10% import duty for cars.
As the EU prepares for this pivotal vote, the outcome will likely have far-reaching consequences for EU-China trade relations, the European automotive market, and the broader global EV supply chain.
Iran has supplied close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, according to sources, but notably withheld mobile launchers, creating uncertainty about when these missiles will be operational. This development follows last week’s U.S. accusation that Tehran provided Moscow with Fath-360 missiles for use in the war against Ukraine.
Three officials—a European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official—confirmed Iran’s delivery of the missiles but emphasized that no launchers accompanied them. The reasons for this are unclear, but experts have suggested multiple possibilities. Some believe Russia may modify civilian trucks to launch the missiles, similar to what Iran has done. Others speculate Iran’s decision could be a diplomatic maneuver, leaving room for potential negotiations with Western powers to ease tensions.
Iran denies providing missiles or drones to Russia, despite accusations from Ukraine and the West that these weapons are being used to target military and civilian infrastructure. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Fath-360 missiles were delivered and would likely be used in Ukraine soon. The missile, which can travel at speeds four times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 75 miles, poses a significant threat to Ukraine, particularly as it continues to adapt its air defenses to Russian innovations.
The absence of launchers complicates matters for Russia, as ballistic missiles require specially designed launchers to be fired. Some analysts suggest that Russia could modify its military-grade vehicles to serve this purpose. Iran has previously used modified civilian trucks, but these may not be suitable for Ukraine’s harsh winter conditions.
The delivery of these missiles comes amid increasing sanctions on Iran by the United States and its European allies. New sanctions target Iran’s aviation sector, among other areas, and further measures are being considered by the European Union.
Meanwhile, Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is expected to engage in diplomatic talks with European officials during the U.N. General Assembly, where issues related to Iran’s missile deliveries, nuclear program, and regional tensions are likely to be discussed. Analysts speculate that Iran’s withholding of the missile launchers could be a tactical move ahead of these talks to avoid further condemnation.
Despite the potential for diplomacy, experts are skeptical about any significant breakthroughs, given Iran’s history of maintaining its stance on key issues.