The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled in favor of China in its dispute with the United States over certain tax incentives designed to support renewable energy. A report published Friday indicates that the tax credits implemented under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) violate several of the organization's international agreements.
The special panel of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), tasked with examining the Chinese complaint filed in March 2024, recommends that Washington withdraw these credits no later than October 1, 2026, considering this a "reasonable" timeframe to comply.
A complaint targeting national preference rules
Beijing criticized the US Green Climate Plan for artificially favoring local production and imposing origin requirements that effectively exclude Chinese products. According to China, these measures create unfair competition in the global energy transition market by subsidizing sectors only if they are located or manufactured in the United States.
The WTO, however, did not rule on the credits relating to clean vehicles: this aspect was withdrawn by Beijing, after the Trump administration, which returned to power, eliminated these subsidies in July 2025.
A judgment that is difficult to enforce.
While the decision represents a political victory for China, its implementation remains uncertain. Both countries can theoretically appeal, but the WTO's appellate body has been paralyzed since 2019 due to a lack of judges, as the United States has blocked their appointment by demanding reform of the mechanism.
In this context, the decision underlines once again the fragility of the multilateral trading system, as Sino-American tensions increasingly shift towards the strategic terrain of technology and energy transition.
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She added that a report had been filed with the public prosecutor's office under Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which stipulates that any authority aware of a crime or offense must inform the justice system, and that a complaint had been filed. The departmental youth, civic engagement, and sports service has also been notified and could prohibit the identified individuals from working with children.
Inappropriate behavior
She points out that"An initial exchange took place with the parents of the school yesterday and [that]a meeting organized by the City and the town hall of the 7the the district meeting was held today.The town hall reports that a psychological support unit, staffed by child protection professionals, has been set up for parents (01 87 66 36 42). "The City of Paris shares the anger provoked by these unacceptable images." et "will continue to act with the utmost firmness against all forms of violence and abuse towards children"the municipality added in its statement.
The "Cash Investigation" report notably reveals testimonies from parents whose reports of suspicious behavior by activity leaders are ignored, as well as the lack of a recruitment framework and inappropriate behavior by activity leaders, including one who kissed a child on the mouth in this nursery school. 7e district of Paris.
Read also | After-school activities: several candidates for Mayor of Paris denounce "systemic dysfunctions" and "unacceptable shortcomings" following an investigation by "Cash Investigation" Read later
Since November, Paris has been implementing a strengthened action plan that includes mandatory training for all supervisors, stricter recruitment procedures, and improved monitoring of reports in coordination with the regional education authority. Finally, the 2026 budget includes 63 additional positions and increased resources for the training and supervision of after-school teams.
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Since the after-school sector is under the jurisdiction of the municipalities, Paris announced in December 2025 the appointment by a Children's Ombudsman, Dominique Versini – former National Children's Ombudsman (2006-2011) –, who can be contacted by email (defenderdesenfants@paris.frIn case of a dangerous situation, she "will immediately direct the case to the unit for collecting information on concerning situations or to the justice system", according to the town hall.
Several reports by the Minister of National Education
For his part, Edouard Geffray, the Minister of National Education, announced on Friday "To proceed today with several reports based on Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure" to the justice system after the release of this investigation which focuses on the shortcomings of extracurricular activities, particularly in Paris, but also on dysfunctions and violence in private Catholic schools under contract, by examining the case of the Institution Champagnat in Issenheim (Haut-Rhin) and the L'Espérance school in Sainte-Cécile (Vendée).
"Regarding matters falling under the administrative powers of the national education system, I am also initiating control and sanction procedures without delay. One simple rule: let nothing go unpunished."he added, without specifying which establishments or personnel would be targeted.
