The EU sold wind turbines worth €3.1 billion in 2025, but the story flips for solar panels: almost all are sourced from China

Eurostat’s analysis reveals a critical asymmetry in the European Union’s energy industrial strategy. While the region maintains a clear leadership position in the wind sector, acting as a net exporter, it has relinquished its sovereignty in photovoltaics, relying almost exclusively on Chinese supplies. This divergence marks the boundary between self-sufficiency and technological vulnerability in green technologies. China’s dependence extends beyond solar energy, also penetrating the wind market through a sustained increase in imports. Although Europe retains competitive advantages and high-value manufacturing capacity, the trend toward external sources threatens strategic autonomy. The green transition thus faces the challenge of balancing price competitiveness with supply chain security. This case is fundamental to the open data movement, as it demonstrates how statistical transparency enables the dissection of complex geopolitical issues. By disaggregating detailed trade data, the concentration of risks becomes visible, fostering informed public debate on the need for technological sovereignty. The openness of statistical information is therefore an essential tool for designing resilient and sustainable industrial policies.

Source: ecoticias.com
Published on 2026-11-05

The EU sold wind turbines worth €3.1 billion in 2025, but the story flips for solar panels: almost all are sourced from China

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