Industriepolitik: Union und SPD wollen deutsche Industrie stärker vor China schützen

CDU/CSU and SPD parties are pushing for stronger protection of German and European industry against Chinese imports, according to a document approved at a meeting of the implementing fraction chairmen in Münster on Friday. They support the EU Commission and the federal government in pushing ahead with more trade and investment agreements within the EU, while seeking stronger protection against market-distorting practices and unfair competition.

Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures should be applied more rapidly and broadly at the European level to counter Chinese overcapacity, according to the document. The union and SPD parties are pushing for more flexibility for internal combustion engines to keep Germany in the automobile industry, while urging the EU Commission to allow plug-in hybrid vehicles, high-efficiency internal combustion engines, and range-extenders beyond 2035.

The EU Commission is currently planning to impose a stricter version of the Utility Factor, which requires car manufacturers to sell far more electric vehicles starting in 2027. The Union and SPD factions argue that emissions above the 90% target threshold should not be fully compensated. The meeting also included Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius and IG Metall President Christiane Benner, and Germany's push to become a world leader in autonomous driving.