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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.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr gestures to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Manila in 2023. She is expected to return next year to sign a trade pact. Photo: AFP

The Philippines

After EU-Philippines trade breakthrough, is Asean-wide deal next?

A bloc-to-bloc free-trade agreement offers Asean real economic clout, but analysts warn there is still a ‘long way to go’.

27 Sep 2026 - 8:00AM

China-Germany relations

China seeks German help to stave off EU trade sanctions before Xi-Trump summit

22 Sep 2026 - 4:02PMvideocam

Maros Sefcovic

After EU-Philippines trade breakthrough, is Asean-wide deal next?

A bloc-to-bloc free-trade agreement offers Asean real economic clout, but analysts warn there is still a ‘long way to go’.

China seeks German help to stave off EU trade sanctions before Xi-Trump summit

Brussels announces dates for next round of China-EU trade talks in Beijing

Von der Leyen vows tough stance with China, using EU’s tools to rebalance trade

Brussels is looking to reduce reliance on Chinese raw materials, and Beijing again urges the EU to avoid protectionist policies.

Far-right win in German election further shakes up China-EU relations

Outcome could harden Berlin’s stance towards Beijing ahead of an October deadline for trade rebalancing, analysts say.

EU, China talk trade as Europe’s deadline for action looms

Negotiations have begun in Beijing amid the spectre of a possible EU-China trade war.

EU trade enforcers descend on Beijing demanding China fix ‘untenable’ imbalances

Brussels officials hold talks in the Chinese capital as they seek a commitment to reduce surging exports to the bloc.

EU-China trade: Beijing turns the screws as Brussels tests limits of restraint

Latest sanctions suggest Chinese effort to ramp up pressure on Europe and strike fear into member states before crunch time in October.

Sino-German auto talks focus on smart EV standards amid trade tensions

The push for cooperation comes as Chinese carmakers seek to validate their driverless technology in European markets.

China’s Politburo pledges policy support, spending to counteract sluggish growth

The high-level decision-making body also set October for the fifth Central Committee plenum, which will set the stage for next year’s party congress.

EU lawmakers arrive in China for high-stakes talks to manage mounting tensions

Wang Yi calls on delegation to strengthen exchanges across Chinese society for ‘a genuine, multi-dimensional and evolving perspective’.

Gibraltar and Spain end border checks in historic UK-EU treaty

Land border at ‘The Rock’ is eliminated, ending routine checks for thousands of daily cross-border travellers.

EU signals emergency import curbs after dramatic growth in Chinese trade gap

Brussels looking at ‘case-by-case’ tariffs and quotas after the trade surplus expands by almost a quarter in the first half of the year.

China-EU progress, Xi touts ‘global influence’, Nato summit

This week: China signals openness to cutting EU trade gap, President Xi hails Communist Party’s ‘significant global influence’ and factory activity returns to expansion. Next week: Nato summit takes place in Turkey, US moves towards new tariffs, Kung Fu Soccer may hit the screens, and more.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

Beijing floats buying more European goods as the EU weighs new trade tools and presses for tangible progress by October.

European firms ‘becoming more reliant on China, not less’: EU chamber chief

Jens Eskelund tells conference in Berlin that Beijing can raise costs of confrontation beyond what other side is willing to bear.

EU seeks ‘tangible results’ on China trade deficit by October

Hopes of progress in paring the EU’s trade deficit with China by autumn will mean overcoming some seemingly insurmountable barriers.

China-EU joint statement on trade

China and the European Union issued a rare joint statement confirming the launch of a ministerial-level platform to ease bilateral economic tensions.

EU sets China October deadline for ‘tangible results’ after key trade talks

Marathon session in Brussels sees Beijing agreeing to establish a ‘joint monitoring mechanism of trade flows’ to help ease economic tensions.

EU confronts ‘China shock’ ahead of pivotal Brussels trade talks

There is a growing sense Europe will have to learn to ‘live with’ Beijing’s economic model, which it accuses of undercutting its industries.

Why Europe’s fight against a ‘China shock 2.0’ could end before it even begins

Brussels currently lacks the firepower to win a trade clash with China – and Beijing is not in a mood to make concessions, analysts warn.

China debate reaches fever pitch in Brussels as EU’s crunch fortnight kicks off

Ahead of next week’s leaders’ summit, some are pushing for the bloc to end its ‘naivety’ and forcefully counter cheap imports.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Outside In | Europe blaming China for trade imbalance ignores its own policy failures

How are Beijing’s successful industrial policies any different from those used by Europe, the US or the ‘Asian tigers’ in the past?

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

EU, China hold talks as trade war looms

China trade envoy Li Chenggang is to meet EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic to set up a platform for discussing trade and investment as Europe considers a tougher approach to stem a flood of low-cost Chinese imports.

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Bloc puts ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to test in high-stakes meeting with Beijing’s international trade envoy on sidelines of OECD meeting.

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.

Exclusive | China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

Outside In | Europe blaming China for trade imbalance ignores its own policy failures