Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has said Europe made a costly mistake by becoming economically and strategically dependent on other countries, arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had warned about the risks before European governments recognised them.
De Wever said Europe is now looking for reliable partners and is beginning to understand the consequences of allowing dependence to grow. He made the remarks while addressing a Confederation of Indian Industry event in Delhi.
Europe’s dependence on foreign goods
According to De Wever, European countries allowed inexpensive foreign goods to enter their markets for a long period without sufficient restrictions. He said the flow of low-priced products gradually made it harder for European companies to compete and weakened them.
He did not name the country he was referring to when discussing dumping, but the remarks were understood as pointing towards China. De Wever said Europe should not become a dumping ground for another country’s goods and described the situation as a difficult reality that Europe is now confronting.
The reported figures in the discussion put China’s exports to Europe at about 560 billion euros, with electronics and machinery among the main categories. Europe’s exports to China were described as 200 billion euros. The account also referred to a 1360 billion euro trade deficit for Europe, although those figures do not reconcile arithmetically and require clarification.
A search for respectful partners
De Wever said Europe needs partners that can cooperate through mutual respect rather than pressure. Without naming the United States, he criticised relationships in which tariffs could be imposed, removed and imposed again when a partner disagreed with Europe.
He argued that Europe must consider which major economies can become dependable partners. India, he said, cannot be left out of that group. De Wever added that European Council meetings are now addressing all these issues and that Europe is seeking partners with a similar commitment to multilateralism.
He described the timing as important because the India-European Union free trade agreement is expected to move towards implementation. The account says the agreement was concluded at the beginning of this year, with both sides expecting implementation to begin by the end of the year.
China trade concerns and possible tariffs
European countries have reportedly set October as a deadline for discussions with China on trade-related matters. They are seeking basic changes in the trading relationship and are examining how to reduce dependence on a single country for supplies.
The account says the European Union could impose tariffs on China if the dumping of Chinese goods in Europe does not stop. It also links the proposed approach to efforts to restrict other inexpensive, low-quality goods in European markets.
The stated trade concerns involve both market access and supply-chain dependence. For Europe, the issue is not limited to the price of imported goods; it also concerns the effect of sustained low-cost imports on European producers and the risks of relying heavily on one country.
Why India could gain opportunities
The shift in Europe’s supply-chain approach could create opportunities for Indian exporters. The European Union has 27 member countries, and the account says India could help meet demand across the bloc as European buyers look beyond China.
India already exports machinery, textiles and chemicals to Europe, but the account identifies additional scope in other sectors. Bilateral trade between India and Europe is described as 136 billion dollars, including Indian exports of about 75 billion dollars and imports of about 61 billion dollars.
The reported trade figures suggest that India already has a substantial commercial relationship with Europe. If European buyers tighten scrutiny of Chinese goods or seek alternative suppliers, Indian exporters could benefit, according to the account.
That opportunity would depend on the implementation of the India-European Union trade agreement and on Europe’s decisions regarding China. The available account does not specify which additional sectors would receive new access or what tariff measures, if any, Europe will ultimately adopt.
Conclusion
De Wever’s message was that Europe must reduce excessive economic and strategic dependence, find partners that cooperate without pressure and give India a central place in that effort. The possible changes in Europe-China trade could open further space for Indian exporters, while the trade agreement’s implementation remains an important next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What did Bart De Wever say about Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
De Wever said Modi had warned Europe earlier about the risks of economic and strategic dependence, but Europe did not heed the warning at the time.
Q. Where did De Wever make the remarks?
He addressed a Confederation of Indian Industry event in Delhi.
Q. Which country was linked to Europe’s dumping concerns?
De Wever did not name a country, but the remarks were understood as referring to China.
Q. What deadline has reportedly been set for Europe-China trade discussions?
European countries have reportedly set October as the deadline for discussions on basic changes in trade with China.
Q. Could India benefit from Europe’s supply-chain changes?
The account says Indian exporters could gain opportunities if European buyers seek alternatives to Chinese suppliers.
Q. What is the India-European Union trade agreement’s expected next step?
Both sides expect implementation of the agreement to begin by the end of the year.
Q. What is India’s reported bilateral trade with Europe?
The account puts bilateral trade at 136 billion dollars, with Indian exports at about 75 billion dollars and imports at about 61 billion dollars.
