Spain pushes for stronger EU-China partnership on EV

Spain’s Industry Minister Jordi Hereu emphasised the need for China as a “strategic partner” in building Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, aligning with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s stance against proposed EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Speaking at a Chinese-Spanish business event in Madrid, Hereu called it “absurd” not to strengthen the relationship with China and warned against “extreme protectionism.”

Hereu’s remarks follow Sanchez’s earlier statement urging the EU to reconsider its plan to impose tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.

Spain, Europe’s second-largest car producer, is seeking to grow its EV sector, with companies like China’s Chery Automobile already partnering with Spanish firms.

EU officials will meet Chinese trade representatives in Brussels to discuss the tariffs ahead of a vote on the issue later this month.