Brussels (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 04, 2026 – The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation on February 3. Goldwind confirmed its full cooperation with the probe examining potential market distortions from state aid. The inquiry follows preliminary findings of indications that foreign subsidies may have strengthened Goldwind's position in the EU wind sector.
The Commission initiated information requests to wind sector companies including Goldwind in 2024. Goldwind operates in wind turbine manufacturing, research and development, sales, and servicing across the European Union. Commission spokesperson stated the investigation does not prejudge outcomes.
Commission Opens Formal Investigation into Goldwind Activities
The European Commission announced the probe on February 3, 2026, targeting Goldwind Science & Technology Co Ltd's EU operations. EU competitiveness commissioner Teresa Ribera confirmed the action under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation adopted in July 2023. The regulation addresses subsidies from non-EU governments potentially distorting the internal market.
Preliminary concerns identified grants, preferential tax measures, and advantageous loans as possible foreign subsidies. Commission officials noted these supports could improve Goldwind's competitive position for wind turbine supply and services. The investigation evaluates whether initial findings hold and determines necessary remedies if distortions exist.
Previous FSR applications targeted Chinese firms in solar, railroad, and security sectors. EUobserver reported the wind sector marks Goldwind's first high-profile case.
reNEWS, renewable energy news service, reported Goldwind's
cooperation stance on X.
reNEWS @reNEWS_ said in X post,
"Goldwind has said it will cooperate fully with European Union authorities after the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into its activities in the EU wind market under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation."
Goldwind's Response and Cooperation Commitment
Goldwind confirmed willingness to provide requested documentation and facilitate verification. The company welcomes transparency regarding its commercial operations in Europe. Goldwind submitted initial responses meeting Commission timelines for cooperating status.
China's Ministry of Commerce characterised similar probes as actions against Chinese companies. Chinese business groups labelled EU anti-subsidy investigations discriminatory. Goldwind maintained operations continue normally pending investigation developments.
Scope and Timeline of Foreign Subsidies Investigation
The probe examines Goldwind's activities in wind turbine manufacturing, R&D, sales, and maintenance. Commission verification teams plan on-site inspections at Goldwind facilities. Questionnaires cover subsidy documentation, financial benefits, and market impact data.
Key deadlines include data submissions by March 2026, on-site verification in Q2, and provisional findings by September. Definitive measures require assessment of remedies or corrective actions. Interested parties receive disclosure documents for comments.
Law Society Gazette detailed the Commission's own-initiative start in 2024 with information requests. Yahoo Finance reported suspicions of grants and preferential financing distorting competition.
EU Wind Sector Context and Market Developments
Chinese turbine makers increased EU market presence since 2023. EU WindEurope documented rising import shares affecting European manufacturers. Commission data tracks pricing and installation trends during the review period.
The investigation aligns with broader EU actions on Chinese green technology imports. Parallel probes examine electric vehicles and other renewable sectors. EU member states including Denmark support enforcement of foreign subsidy rules.
Green Power Denmark noted the probe signals EU readiness to apply FSR in wind energy. Børsen reported Danish industry association views on competition impacts.
Foreign Subsidies Regulation Framework and Precedents
FSR empowers the Commission to investigate non-EU subsidies distorting EU competition. Tools include remedial measures, acceptance commitments, and fines up to 10% of aggregate turnover. Opening formal investigations provides extended review periods.
Previous FSR cases involved Chinese solar panels and railway equipment. South China Morning Post noted frequent 2023-2026 applications against Chinese operators. Commission stresses equal terms for all companies in the single market.
Goldwind's European Operations Overview
Goldwind maintains EU presence through subsidiaries handling sales and servicing. Active projects span onshore and offshore wind developments. European office networks support local installations and maintenance contracts.
Goldwind exported significant capacity to EU markets during 2023-2025. Company reports highlight technology platforms and installation records. Reuters noted Goldwind's response to the subsidy investigation announcement.
Stakeholder Reactions Across EU Member States
Wind industry associations welcomed the probe's transparency potential. European manufacturers anticipate fairer competition conditions. National wind lobbies in Germany, Spain, and Italy monitor developments.
Chinese embassy statements urged objective handling by EU authorities. Commerce ministry responses criticised protectionist tendencies. EU-China trade dialogues continue alongside investigation processes.
Procedural Steps Following Investigation Opening
Commission publishes investigation notices in the Official Journal. Interested parties register within deadlines for submissions. Non-confidential file access available post-preliminary phase.
Verification visits confirm questionnaire accuracy. Deficiency letters address data gaps. Oral hearings accommodate party presentations.
Energywatch reported Danish perspectives on subsidy concerns strengthening Goldwind's position. Commission IP/26/265 press release outlined preliminary market distortion indications.
Economic Implications for EU Wind Deployment
Ongoing probe coincides with REPowerEU renewable targets. Wind capacity additions form core green transition elements. Investigation outcomes influence project tendering and supply chains.
Member state energy ministries track potential cost impacts. Offshore grid developments integrate diverse turbine suppliers. Commission balances competition enforcement with deployment acceleration.
Global Context of Wind Turbine Trade Dynamics
IEA tracks global wind manufacturing capacities and export flows. Chinese production dominates installed capacity growth. EU maintains leadership in offshore technology development.
US tariffs and Indian local content rules parallel EU measures. WTO notifications accompany FSR investigations. Trade remedy coordination occurs through plurilateral agreements.
Commission Statements on Investigation Independence
Spokesperson emphasised no prejudgement of findings exists. Executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis oversees competition portfolio. Directorates general for trade and competition collaborate on FSR cases.
Member states receive regular briefings through advisory committees. European Parliament committees monitor progress reports. Judicial review pathways exist at EU courts.