Emilie Delcher

Associate Professor,

Nantes University- Law and Social Change

It is proposed to look at China-EU relations in the light of environmental protection. This perspective highlights the paradoxes of this relationship, which is characterized by "systemic rivalry" on the one hand and inextricable interdependence on the other. 

The European Union is particularly dependent on Chinese raw materials such as lithium or cobalt. While it aspires to become the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050, this dependence is likely to increase with its conversion to electric vehicles. The Commission has therefore proposed a regulation on critical raw materials to guarantee the security of European supply. Similar difficulties also exist for renewable energy technologies. 

The European Union is nevertheless determined to introduce greater reciprocity in its relations with China, by protecting itself against imports of products that do not respect certain social and environmental standards. For example, the Commission has presented a regulation for a "net zero" industry, to increase the production of green technologies in Europe. In addition, the global agreement on investments, which has been suspended since March 2021, includes provisions on sustainable development. In particular, it aims at the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and the respect of ILO conventions. 

In addition, the European Union has launched a response to China's "Belt and Road" strategy, entitled "Global Gateway".  It should enable the development of infrastructures geared towards sustainable development throughout the world, while guaranteeing the Union's strategic autonomy. 

Environmental issues thus appear to fully illustrate the strategic path that the European Union intends to take in building its relations with China: the quest for autonomy and cooperation. It is therefore proposed to look at this strategy from a legal perspective.