Source: Semafor
European nations face a direct tradeoff between decarbonization and geopolitical autonomy. Their rush to meet climate targets has created dependency on Chinese solar panels, batteries, and rare earth processing—supply chains Beijing can restrict or weaponize. China controls 80% of global solar panel manufacturing and dominates battery supply chains. Europe's escape from fossil fuel dependence now runs through strategic reliance on a state actor with competing interests. The result is likely to be regionalized green tech manufacturing and higher decarbonization costs across the continent.