The European Commission has opened an investigation into China-headquartered Goldwind Science & Technology (Goldwind) to examine whether foreign subsidies distort competition in the EU market for wind turbines and related services.
Based on preliminary investigations, the European Commission (EC) finds that Goldwind may have been granted foreign subsidies that distort the internal market – with these including grants, preferential tax measures and preferential financing in the form of loans.
The EC has concerns that these foreign subsidies may improve Goldwind’s competitive position in the internal market and may affect competition for the supply of wind turbines and related services in the bloc.
The investigation started in April 2024, with the EC sending requests for information to several companies active in the EU wind sector, including to Goldwind.
In response, Goldwind said: “In all markets where it operates, including the European Union, the company is committed to maintaining robust corporate governance and internal control systems while strictly adhering to international rules and local laws and regulations. Currently, Goldwind’s business activities in the European Union market continue to operate normally.
In its public statement, Goldwind added: “We believe that fact-based and constructive communication with the European Commission will help clarify the facts.”
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), which started to apply on July 13, 2023, enables the EC to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies and thereby allows the EU to ensure a level playing field for all companies operating in the internal market while remaining open to trade and investment. According to the FSR, the EC has the power to initiate investigations on its own initiative – such as this one.
HLPFI reported in December that the European Commission had launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of mobile cranes from China.
