Engin Eroglu

@EnginEroglu_FW: “We need to be able to make China comply with international law”

In the European Parliament, our German MEP @EnginEroglu_FW Engin Eroglu’s words cut through the noise: when parents bury their children, something is fundamentally wrong. Europe cannot accept a digital space where profit comes before protection.

Engin Eroglu: Der Staat muss radikal an sich sparen – nicht die Bürger! freiewaehler-hessen.de/aktuelles/beit… #FreieWähler #Hessen #Reformen #Bundesregierung #Umverteilung #sparen #Effizienz #Deregulierung #Wirtschaft #politik #orangepower #AnpackenfürHessen

#EU-#China relations are facing enormous challenges. In addressing them, one principle in particular is central to me: balance. We need a balanced approach combining robust, clear foreign and economic policy while at the same time maintaining open communication channels in order to strongly represent European interests and avoid misunderstandings. I recently had another exchange of perspectives with Professor Zhang Lei from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The professor, who previously also held positions in London and Brussels, now conducts research and teaches at the Institute of European Studies there. Thank you for the exchange!

Engin Eroglu @EnginEroglu_FW, German EDP MEP and VP, is clear: according to him, Europe must practise what it preaches. While citizens are asked to save energy and limit travel, the European Parliament continues its monthly move between Brussels and Strasbourg—an outdated routine that generates emissions and high costs. “The problem is not only organisational. It is a question of credibility,” he stresses. This contradiction weakens trust. “Those who demand sacrifices from citizens must lead by example,” Eroglu adds, calling to end unnecessary travel and hold plenary sessions in Brussels. For him, aligning actions with values is essential to restore Europe’s climate credibility.

The European economy is facing a “system shock” due to #China’s state-subsidized overcapacity. Already today, almost a quarter of European exports are exposed to critical Chinese competition. In the medium term, up to 55% of European industrial production could be under threat in the internal market – and in #Germany, even around 70%. This endangers not only our economic strength, but also core pillars based on it, such as social cohesion, a functioning welfare state and climate protection. Without a strong economy, nothing can be financed. It is therefore crucial that #Europe wake up and emerge from its lethargy. We do not need more complaints about China; what we finally need is a confident policy that restores our competitiveness and turns a trade relationship that currently benefits mainly China into a genuine win-win for China and Europe. With the support of @connectsmes – a Europe-wide network for small and medium-sized enterprises – an EU-China roundtable was recently held at the European Parliament. More than 30 experts from #politics, #business and #research engaged in intensive discussions on the EU-China relationship. My position was clear: the solution begins above all in Europe. We must strengthen our own economic resilience through affordable energy, deregulation, competitive labor costs, a European raw materials initiative and more research instead of subsidies. Europe must move from reactive policymaking to active shaping. And it must do so urgently, because China is racing ahead. Unfortunately, von der Leyen and the EU Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament are, for the most part, reacting far too slowly. Even worse, in all three institutions there apparently remain decision-makers who have not understood the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for action. Thank you to all participants for the lively debate! @PaulRubig @Horst_Heitz @WeiMoli @2greet @carloalberto @MilenaAngel23 @el_papadopoulos @koentgh @GeorginB @juleskril @FCCCommerce

China’s coercive actions undermine the status quo, once again exposing the risks authoritarian regimes pose to the international order. Ahead of my visit to Eswatini, several countries along our flight route abruptly revoked overflight clearance under pressure from China. 1/2

Against this backdrop, we will continue the dialogue and expand our cooperation.

I once again had an in-depth exchange with #Taiwan’s representative to the #EU, Dr. Shieh. Regular dialogue fosters trust and strengthens the partnership between our democracies. We see that Taiwan is coming under increasing pressure. That is not in our interest.

Deterrence only works if deployment works. When rail networks are constrained by different track gauges or cross-border movements are slowed by immense paperwork, Europe has a serious problem. We need a #MilitarySchengen now. Thanks to @DieReserve for initiating this exchange.

The Parliament is a player that can no longer be ignored. Exchanges and dialogue are important, but in the end, what counts are concrete results that protect European interests and values.

The visit by Director General Wang of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, which is responsible for inter-party exchanges, along with his delegation, is a clear sign that the European Parliament is being taken more seriously in #China.

Europe cannot speak of digital sovereignty while outsourcing payments to foreign tech giants—yet replacing that dependency with a state monopoly would be just as flawed. The digital euro, in its current design, risks doing both. As German MEP Engin Eroglu warns, this could stifle competition rather than foster it. True strategic autonomy means enabling European innovators to thrive globally, not crowding them out. Sovereignty, openness and fair competition must move forward together.

FREIE WÄHLER Hessen fordern: Zuschläge für Mehrarbeit sollen steuerlich entlastet werden. Wer mehr arbeitet, darf am Ende nicht weniger davon haben! freiewaehler-hessen.de/aktuelles/beit… #FreieWähler #Hessen #Arbeit #Mehrarbeit #Überstunden #Fachkräftemangel #orangepower #AnpackenFürHessen

This certainly does not make engagement with China any easier.

For European companies in China, the question of how they can operate safely under these conditions is becoming increasingly urgent. If even business dinners in China are coming under generalized suspicion, day-to-day business becomes very difficult.

The propaganda and educational activities related to national security are ‘breaking new ground’ and, above all, ‘reaching people’s hearts’. This caption was prominently featured today on #China’s state television on the occasion of the so-called National Security Education Day.