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SRF-EU correspondent Charles Liebherr on the hastily adopted deal, which is also a gift to Angela Merkel.
Shortly before the end of the year, China and the EU frantically agreed to closer economic cooperation in a so-called investment deal. It is not a free trade agreement like the one between Switzerland and China. But it is an important step on the way there.
EU companies will have significantly better access to the Chinese market. At the same time, the EU boasts that China has been convinced to improve its working conditions in line with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards.
Just lip-service?
“Of course, one wonders how the Europeans want to make sure everything gets better,” said SRF China correspondent Martin Aldrovandi.
So expectations are silenced. But why isn’t Brussels even lip service to Beijing? “Despite all the justified skepticism,” said SRF correspondent Charles Liebherr, “we don’t know if it will stick by word of mouth.” Because the deal is not yet dry.
The EU Parliament will only discuss this in a few months. Enough time for China to make good on its promises. “At the moment, everyone is assuming that the agreement can only come into force if China complies with its obligations to the ILO in relation to forced labor,” Liebherr said. In this way, the EU wants to keep China on its promises.
Legend:
The agreement aims to improve market access for EU companies in China, ensure fair conditions of competition and open up business opportunities.
Keystone
The EU and China have been negotiating the investment deal for seven years. It has now been pushed into 2020, a few days after progress in the painstaking divorce proceedings with Britain.
The agreement has not yet interrupted relations with the United States. At least that is what EU officials believe, who also show confidence in themselves.
The correspondent cites two reasons for the hectic rush in Brussels. First: Germany will hold the presidency of the EU until December 31. And we know of the great affinity of the foreign minister for economic relations with China. The German automotive industry also sends its regards. “
Legend:
The EU has apparently conceded this “goal” to Angela Merkel, according to Liebherr: “To some extent in the last minute.”
Keystone / Files
The second explanation: after the US elections, it is likely that China also sought a deal with the EU. Because with Joe Biden’s victory, it can be assumed that the EU will once again turn more towards the United States. “After all, let’s call it the ‘icy’ four years of Trump,” says Liebherr.
This raises the question why Europeans did not simply “sit” with Trump and then strengthen transatlantic trade relations again. Liebherr heard amazing things from diplomatic circles in Brussels: The investment deal with Beijing is seen as an opportunity to close a new deal with Washington.
“The agreement is seen here as a good basis for subsequent talks with the United States on an agreed strategy for China,” the EU correspondent said. Because: The agreement aims to more closely integrate the giant empire into the rules of international trade. This is also expected to strengthen the role of the World Trade Organization.
Y: The deal has not yet been decided. “That is why it does not affect relations with the United States. At least that is what those responsible in the EU believe: they also show confidence in themselves. “What is known is never a shame for Americans, concludes Liebherr.
