EU launches 2 probes into China solar manufacturers

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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union has initiated two investigations into Chinese solar panel manufacturers for receiving subsidies that allegedly distort the market
• These probes focus on two consortiums involved in a solar park project in Romania, highlighting concerns over the impact of cheap Chinese imports on Europe's solar industry

🔭 The context: This move marks a significant shift in Europe's approach towards Chinese imports, spurred by the closures and financial struggles of European solar manufacturers
• The investigations are part of the EU's broader strategy to secure its economic security and ensure fair competition within its market 
• It's only the second time the EU has utilized its new foreign subsidies law for such an investigation.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The influx of subsidized Chinese solar panels has both aided and challenged the EU's transition to renewable energy 
• While they have contributed to a rapid increase in solar capacity, they have also led to a surplus that harms European manufacturers, affecting the diversity and resilience of the global solar supply chain

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission aims to assess all evidence of unfair practices and is committed to improving funding for European solar panel manufacturers 
• This could lead to changes in how solar components are imported into the EU and influence the global solar market dynamics

💬 One quote: "Solar panels have become strategically important for Europe," - EU’s internal market commissioner Thierry Breton.

📈 One stat: Europe's largest solar panel manufacturer, Meyer Burger, faced a pre-tax loss of SFr384mn ($227mn) for 2023, underscoring the financial pressures on European solar firms.

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