EU dependency on China
23.6.2022
Question for written answer E-002260/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Marco Zanni (ID)
Extensive use of renewable energy is central to the REPowerEU plan, which puts some EUR 300 billion on the table for efforts to speed up investment in green energy and thus reduce the EU’s dependence on Russian gas.
However, the plan – which makes it compulsory for solar panels to be installed on the roofs of new public, commercial and residential buildings and sets ambitious targets for the use of green hydrogen – requires a higher level of imports of Chinese products.
As proof of that fact, by April 2022, European countries made up 60% of China’s solar panel exports. What is more, it is well known that China has an extremely dominant position in the sector producing electrolysers, which are needed to produce green hydrogen.
Given the EU’s recent lack of vision with regard to energy strategies and in the light of the above:
- 1.Has the Commission carried out an impact assessment of the REPowerEU plan?
- 2.Has it factored in the risk of possible energy dependency on China?
- 3.Has it come up with a plan to free the EU of China?