Brussels, 8 October 2024 – Responding to the Council’s vote, Albéric Mongrenier, Executive Director of the European Initiative for Energy Security issued the following statement:

“Defensive measures, including tariffs and foreign direct investment screening, are essential to protecting Europe’s automotive sector in a playing field that has been distorted by billions in subsidies and deliberate overproduction, which has driven aggressive market capture in the electric vehicle sector. More robust trade defence levers are also needed to protect Europe’s nascent battery ecosystem, critical to our energy security, economic security, and the future of Europe’s auto sector. There is no silver bullet: in addition to playing defence, we need to develop support schemes, secure financing, and leverage strategic partnerships with those who share our values of open and fair competition and high standards, to secure European jobs and rebalance the playing field.”

About EIES

The European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) advocates for secure pan-European and national energy policies, dedicated to fostering collaboration between government and industry leaders. EIES seeks to address critical energy challenges and champion comprehensive solutions for the benefit of Europe's energy security, transition, and industrial competitiveness. EIES works with the Energy Security Leadership Council-Europe (ESLC-Europe), composed of retired and active military, political and business figures, to achieve these goals.

Contact: Isabelle Dupraz, EIES Deputy Director – idupraz@secureenergy.org