The EU's restrictive measures on China's PV industry have sparked dissatisfaction in Germany, and German Economy Minister Habeck even sent a letter of opposition to the European Commission, arguing that this will affect the development of renewable energy in Europe and will also harm the interests of European companies using Chinese solar products. This move came as a surprise, as Habeck has repeatedly advocated "de-risking" China and reducing its dependence on China.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shown a more pragmatic attitude, and he plans to lead a business delegation to China in April this year to seek cooperation opportunities with China, which echoes the "China strategy" he released last year, and also contradicts his previous emphasis on "de-risking China". Scholz's transformation may be due to the difficulties he faces in internal coordination of the **union**, and the German economy has been severely hit by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and he needs to rely on China's strength to solve Germany's problems, or it may be to persuade China to participate in the peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
German Economy Minister Habeck.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Germany's opposition to China's photovoltaic industry is mainly due to environmental concerns, and German Economy Minister Habeck's Green Party has been committed to promoting the "zero carbonization" of German energy, and solar energy is an important part of renewable energy. However, Germany wants to popularize solar energy, but it is facing high costs, Germany's local photovoltaic manufacturing industry can not compete with China's photovoltaic industry, China's solar panels and components occupy the majority of the global market, and the first low, good quality. If Germany insists on "Germany First" and does not use Chinese solar products, then Germany's renewable energy strategy will be seriously hampered and may even fail, which will be a huge blow to the image and prestige of the Green Party.
Photovoltaic industry. Moreover, Germany's energy problem is not only an environmental problem, but also an economic problem, and Germany's manufacturing industry is facing the highest energy cost, which will affect Germany's competitiveness and development potential. Especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Germany's energy security is threatened, and Germany needs to find more energy*** and China, as the world's largest energy consumer, is also an important energy partner for Germany. If Germany's energy cooperation with China is limited by the EU, then Germany's energy crisis will intensify and the German economy will be in trouble.
Therefore, Germany's opposition to the EU's restrictive measures on China's photovoltaic industry is based on Germany's dual interests of environmental protection and economy, as well as to maintain good relations between Germany and China and promote cooperation and exchanges between China and Europe. The EU should realize that putting pressure on China will not only fail to solve Europe's problems, but will harm Europe's interests, and that Europe's prosperity and stability can only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.