BRUSSELS: European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will face questions from lawmakers on Wednesday over the bloc’s trade relationship with China, including efforts to address trade imbalances and a recent understanding on Chinese exports of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The discussion, scheduled for around 4 p.m. on November 4, will take place during a meeting of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee (INTA).
The exchange will follow a briefing by lawmakers who travelled to Beijing and Shanghai from October 27 to 29 as part of a parliamentary trade mission.
MEPs will report on their discussions and findings during the visit, while Šefčovič is expected to address the broader EU-China trade relationship and the Commission’s efforts to rebalance economic ties.
The discussions come after a recent EU-China understanding aimed at moderating Chinese exports of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars.
Lawmakers will also examine EU-Ukraine trade relations during a separate debate scheduled for around 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The debate will focus on challenges facing bilateral trade following an agreement that entered into force in October 2025, providing Ukraine with wider access to the EU market while maintaining safeguards for sensitive agricultural products.
These include sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, maize and honey.
Further trade liberalisation is linked to Ukraine’s gradual alignment with EU standards in areas such as animal welfare, pesticides and veterinary medicines.
The committee will also discuss how trade policy can support sustainable development, including the World Trade Organization’s Aid for Trade initiative, international labour standards and the expansion of forced-labour import restrictions.
The discussions are scheduled across November 4 and 5 at the European Parliament in Brussels.
