EU ends summit after 2-day talks

By Ata Ufuk Seker </p> <p>BRUSSELS (AA) – EU Council President Donald Tusk and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker held a news conference following a two-day summit that focused on the economy, relations with China and fighting disinformation.</p> <p> “Our aim is to focus on achieving a balanced relation, which ensures fair competition and equal market access,” said Tusk, highlighting priorities for a summit with China next month. </p> <p>Tusk touched on the need for an open and assertive trade policy and prepares the EU for increasing global economic competition.</p> <p>“We want to reinforce European capacity to deal with technology theft and cyber security threats, and we look forward to the Commission's recommendation on the security of 5G networks,” said Tusk.</p> <p>Juncker said: “We have good relations [with China], not excellent,” adding that China is a competitor, partner and a rival.</p> <p>“Trade between China and EU asymmetrical and this leads to imbalances,” he said, adding that China is a partner and rival of EU.</p> <p>“Chinese markets are not sufficiently open to European products. Chinese markets exclude us to a great extent,” Juncker added.</p> <p>*Writing by Gozde Bayar</p> <p> </p> <p>