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Maros Sefcovic

The latest news and top stories on Maros Sefcovic, a seasoned Slovak diplomat, he currently serves as European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. Previously, he was Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. His extensive career within the European Commission includes multiple Vice-Presidential roles, focusing on energy, interinstitutional relations, and administration. Known as "Mr Fix-It," he successfully negotiated the Windsor Framework with the UK and leads efforts to prevent transatlantic trade conflicts. His expertise spans trade policy, economic security, customs, and strategic foresight, aiming to bolster the EU’s global standing and economic stability.

Maros Sefcovic

Brussels agrees on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation

Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its industries.

Europe plans tougher response to China Shock 2.0

European leaders get ready to ‘act now’ amid rising fears of ‘China shock 2.0’

China’s commerce chief Wang Wentao expected in Brussels on June 29-30: sources

As trade differences continue to bite between Beijing and the European Union, could a face-to-face meeting help to ease tensions?

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | EU sounds out industry over new trade weapon against China’s overcapacity

Brussels is polling business groups ahead of commissioners’ meeting but few details of the proposed instrument have been revealed.

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

Western nations are seeking to diversify their supply chains for resources used to make semiconductors, EVs and advanced weapons.

Germany’s Merz floats EU-China trade deal as European capitals soften on Beijing

Remarks urging ‘strategic partnerships around the world’ underscore how tensions with the US are inducing a more accommodating stance.

EU too slow to act as China rewrites global trade rules, trade chief Sefcovic warns

Commissioner calls for faster trade probes and WTO reform as Brussels confronts overcapacity, subsidies and a US$424 billion deficit.

South American bloc and EU sign long-awaited FTA amid Trump’s tariffs

The deal creates one of the world’s largest free trade areas after 25 years of tricky negotiations.

EU facing crunch talks over Ukraine, China and its economic future

EU leaders are set to meet amid growing concern in Brussels that the bloc’s divisions will impede meaningful action across a range of issues.

‘Big step forward’: UK rejoins Erasmus exchange programme in post-Brexit reset

After a five-year absence, the UK returns to the EU study abroad scheme, with 100,000 people estimated to benefit in the first year alone.

India-EU trade pact nears finish line despite carbon tax dispute and Russia

Brussels is looking past India’s ties with Moscow to secure a vital economic win, with analysts predicting a deal within months.

Back to the drawing board: EU revives faltering China de-risking plans

Twin proposals aim to boost economic arsenal while cutting China dependence as 27-nation bloc fights for survival in era of trade warfare.

Tensions flare as Wingtech slams chipmaker Nexperia’s head office over deception

The heightened tensions underscore the complexity in resolving the two sides’ dispute over the control of the Dutch chipmaker.

China, EU shift Nexperia strategy: let the companies work it out

Wang Wentao shifts focus to the boardroom but warns the Dutch government must still scrap the executive order and court ruling fuelling the crisis.

As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary

The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.

We have 1 year: rare earth control pause may help mend China-EU ties, envoy says

Bloc’s China ambassador says last month’s suspension creates ‘new stability’ and a chance to improve frosty relations.

EU claims agreement with China to unblock Nexperia chip flow

China will waive licensing requirements ‘provided that it is declared that the goods are intended for civilian use’, EU trade chief says.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Hopes of EU-China reset back amid US-China truce – but will it last?

Easing of pressure from Trump and signs of an end to Chinese subsidies for EVs could see the EU return to a softer diplomatic engagement.

EU says worst-case Nexperia scenario averted, China moves to restart chip sales

China ‘has been engaging with EU companies in recent days to restore the partial flow of chips’, spokesman says.

EU welcomes rare earth control pause as US-China deal overshadows Brussels talks

Beijing to ease critical mineral curbs following Xi-Trump summit, but crisis talks in Belgium yield little relief for European firms.

Nexperia’s China factory cuts output as Dutch takeover deepens global chip supply tensions

Nexperia’s main China factory has cut production after Dutch authorities seized control of its headquarters.

Nexperia parent Wingtech warns of ‘cash flow risk’ despite 280% surge in profit

Wingtech’s semiconductor operations posted revenue of 4.3 billion yuan in the quarter, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

Von der Leyen vows to strike back against China as EU feels rare earths squeeze

The bloc is ready to use all of the tools at its disposal in response to Beijing’s export controls, commission chief says.

Chinese investors grill listed companies with European units after Dutch move

Investors have asked at least seven companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen about risks stemming from their European units.

Nexperia China accuses Dutch head office of spreading misinformation to customers

The Dutch chipmaker’s head office continues to ‘disregard the lawful rights’ of the firm’s China entities, a post by Nexperia (Shanghai) says.

China pushes trilateral currency swap, new drone sighted: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing agreeing to rare earth crisis talks with EU to outlook for Trump-Xi Apec summit meet, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Europe, US still seek common ground on China, despite other policy differences

Washington’s envoys insist the EU must change its green, digital and economic policies but find more alignment than expected on Beijing.

Exclusive | EU sounds out industry over new trade weapon against China’s overcapacity

Opinion | Hopes of EU-China reset back amid US-China truce – but will it last?