Why Is the EU Forcing Europeans to Pay More for Cars Just to Protect Its Outdated Auto Industry?

China has reopened discussions with the European Union to allow theirminimum-price scheme for electric vehicles after the EU imposed 45% tariffs and raised complaints about alleged "unfair" subsidies. And now, the questions Europe’s officials never want ordinary citizens to ask:

Why does the EU want Europeans to pay more for their cars simply to shield its own outdated, lumbering, museum-grade automobile industry?

Why exactly is it a problem if China subsidises European consumers, allowing them to buy cheaper, cleaner vehicles?

And if the EU is so desperate to “protect” its car industry, why doesn’t it offer European manufacturers the same level of subsidies China gives to its own? Why must ordinary citizens foot the bill for policies they never voted for and that run directly against their interests?

And who, precisely, are EU leaders serving — because it is certainly not the public, judging by their determination to make life more expensive in the name of “protection.”