The European Commission will tighten restrictions on the use of Chinese-made solar inverters in EU-funded energy projects, after spokesperson Siobhan McGarry warned of "serious economic and cybersecurity risks" associated with certain technologies used in critical infrastructure.
According to him, the assessment of the bloc relied on both classified information and public data provided by various member states, in a message that points directly to the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers in the European energy system.
According to EU officials, the worst-case scenario considered includes potential disruptions or sabotage of critical energy infrastructure. In this context, the Commission mentioned concerns related to countries considered strategic adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The measure continues a policy line that the EU began outlining in 2025 to reduce technological dependence on suppliers considered “high risk.” Last November, a group of 30 MEPs specializing in energy had already called for stricter restrictions on certain manufacturers’ access to European infrastructure.
Restrictions on suppliers considered “high risk”
The new guidelines will apply to all EU funding mechanisms, including programs administered by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Instead of pushing for new, specific legislation, the Commission will use existing regulatory tools to impose additional cybersecurity requirements and limit the participation of suppliers considered risky.
All projects funded with European resources must comply with the new cybersecurity standards. A transition period is planned for initiatives already in advanced stages.
According to the preliminary schedule, projects evaluated from November 1, 2026 onwards could be required to incorporate additional cybersecurity measures or even replace suppliers categorized as high risk.
Brussels maintains that the initiative responds to economic security criteria and not to a policy of industrial protectionism. Therefore, companies from countries considered reliable partners, such as Japan or South Korea, will continue to be eligible to participate in EU-funded projects.
China's reaction
The China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) rejected the accusations and defended the contribution of Chinese companies to the development of renewable energy in Europe.
The organization stated that Chinese manufacturers have contributed for years to the European energy transition through "reliable, competitive and widely implemented" technologies, denying any intention of using the energy infrastructure for geopolitical purposes.