Asia and the EU

Latest news about Asia and the European Union

Asia and the EU

EU anti-subsidy investigation on solar panel imports from China — 08 November 2012, 13:46 CET

The European Commission has launched an anti-subsidy ("countervailing duty") investigation into imports of solar panels and their key components (i.e. solar cells and solar wafers) originating in China.

European leaders seek Asian support on debt crisis — 05 November 2012, 11:38 CET

European leaders flew to impoverished Laos Monday on a mission to reassure Asia they are finally getting a grip on the eurozone debt crisis during a major summit in the tiny landlocked nation.

EU urges end to Myanmar unrest, pledges aid — 04 November 2012, 14:52 CET

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has called for an end to communal killings in Myanmar following talks with President Thein Sein, while pledging aid to the former pariah state.

New Chinese 'commitments' to tackle spiralling emissions — 20 September 2012, 21:38 CET

China has made a "commitment" to tackle spiralling greenhouse gas emissions in return for EU financial aid and expertise, the European Union announced Thursday.

China vows ongoing support to resolve euro crisis — 21 September 2012, 10:55 CET

China has pledged continued assistance to help tackle the eurozone debt crisis, saying Europe is "on the right track" but needs to implement the measures agreed to fix its problems.

EU anti-dumping investigation into solar panel imports from China — 06 September 2012, 10:57 CET

The European Commission has aunched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of solar panels and their key components (i.e. solar cells and solar wafers) originating in China. EU Pro Sun, an industry association, claimed in its complaint lodged on 25 July 2012 that solar panels and their key components imported from China enter the European market at prices below market value. In terms of import value affected, this is the most significant anti-dumping complaint the European Commission has received so far: in 2011, China exported solar panels and their key components worth around €21 billion to the EU. The investigation will take 15 months in total, whereas it is possible according to trade defence rules to impose provisional anti-dumping duties within 9 months, provided there is sufficient prima facie evidence of dumping.

EU hits Chinese solar companies with massive dumping probe — 06 September 2012, 16:19 CET

The European Commission has launched an anti-dumping probe into Chinese solar panel imports, upping the ante in a major trade dispute Beijing insists should be solved by discussion.

Seoul recognises first damages after EU trade pact — 23 August 2012, 22:43 CET

South Korea has for the first time recognised damages arising from its free trade agreement with the European Union which took effect last year, officials said on Thursday.

EU group slams protectionism in China wine row — 22 August 2012, 12:58 CET

A European business group on Wednesday criticised Chinese calls to probe EU wine imports as "protectionist", as a dispute between the major trading partners threatened to escalate.

Brussels launches campaign against counterfeit toys — 02 August 2012, 12:21 CET

The European Commission launched a new campaign Wednesday against counterfeit toys, which are mostly made in China and can pose health risks to children.

Chinese and EU solar makers at war over dumping — 27 July 2012, 11:35 CET

A host of EU solar makers have called on the Commission to probe alleged dumping practices by its Chinese rivals, as Beijing warns an investigation could trigger a trade war.

France slams 'unfair competition' by Korean carmakers — 25 July 2012, 13:48 CET

France's industry minister on Wednesday slammed what he called "acts of unfair competition" by car makers from South Korea, who have boosted their market share in Europe following a 2010 free trade deal.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development — 25 July 2012, 12:22 CET

Since its establishment in 1991, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has become the largest financial investor in its region of operations which stretches from central Europe and the Western Balkans to central Asia. With the ability and willingness to bear risk on behalf of its clients, the EBRD helps their countries in the region to become open, market economies. The EBRD is owned by 63 countries, the European Union and the European Investment Bank. It provides project financing for banks, industries and businesses, both new ventures and investments in existing companies. It also works with publicly owned companies.

China criticises EU trade 'discrimination' — 12 July 2012, 12:23 CET

China on Thursday criticised Europe's refusal to ease two long-time trade restrictions as "discrimination", following a high-level meeting between the two sides this week.

China voices support for eurozone — 10 July 2012, 12:11 CET

China says it believe Europe can resolve its debt crisis, as the two sides hold a high-level meeting in Beijing that also covered thorny issues such as Syria, Iran and human rights.

Ashton heads for EU-China talks in Beijing — 08 July 2012, 13:17 CET

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton left Sunday for Beijing where she will hold talks on foreign affairs and security issues on the first leg of a five-day Asian tour.

Ashton to attend EU-China Dialogue in Beijing — 07 July 2012, 14:27 CET

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will visit Beijing on Monday and Tuesday for talks aimed at boosting coordination on foreign affairs and security, a European diplomatic source said.

Oil prices rocket on EU summit deal — 29 June 2012, 17:08 CET

World oil prices soared on Friday with traders lauding a $150-billion growth pact pushed through by the European Union after Italy and Spain lifted their opposition to it.

China defends limits on rare earths exports — 28 June 2012, 11:12 CET

China has defended its limits on exports of rare earths, after major trading partners sought litigation through the World Trade Organization in a months-long dispute.

China welcomes Spanish bank bailout — 11 June 2012, 11:02 CET

China, a major holder of European debt, on Monday welcomed a eurozone decision to lend Spain up to 100 billion euros ($125 billion) to save its banks, saying it would help lift confidence.

China's rising costs deter European business: survey — 29 May 2012, 11:51 CET

One in five European companies operating in China may invest elsewhere in the future as wages are getting too high and regulations too cumbersome, according to a poll released Tuesday.

RAPEX in 2011 - guide — 08 May 2012, 14:03 CET

EU consumers want to be sure that the products - whether produced in the EU or imported from third-countries - are safe. The RAPEX 2011 Report shows that the EU's rapid alert system for non-food dangerous products ("RAPEX") is increasingly effective. Dangerous products are detected earlier and more effectively and are more promptly removed from the EU market. This process involves a chain of actions including upstream efforts to design out risks at source, better risk assessment and close co-operation between EU authorities, notably customs, to identify risks at the points of entry.

EU WTO challenge to China's export restrictions on rare earths - guide — 13 March 2012, 22:00 CET

The European Union has launched a second challenge of China's export restrictions on raw materials including 17 rare earths, as well as tungsten and molybdenum. Together with the US and Japan, the EU formally requested dispute settlement consultations with China in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This follows a successful EU challenge at the WTO on similar restrictions for other raw materials earlier this year.

China - EU factsheet — 14 February 2012, 10:14 CET

The European Union is looking to strengthen its partnership with China at the fourteenth EU-China summit, to take place in Beijing on 14 February 2012. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. The People's Republic of China will be represented by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

EU - India Summit factsheet — 09 February 2012, 23:14 CET

The 12th EU-India Summit takes place on 10 February 2012 in New Delhi. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will also be present. India will be represented by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.