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EU Selects Polish Firm PESA Over China's CRRC for Metro Contract

4/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Commission removed Chinese railway company CRRC from a Lisbon metro contract, selecting Polish firm PESA instead.
An investigation found that foreign subsidies enabled CRRC to underbid competitors, undermining the EU's internal market integrity.
The Mota-Engil-led consortium, which submitted the lowest bid of €598.8 million, will now partner with PESA.
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU criticized the decision, claiming insufficient justification against a subcontractor with a minor contract share.
The tender process began in April 2025, and the investigation was launched in November 2025.

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Story summary

The European Commission removed Chinese railway company CRRC from a Lisbon metro contract, selecting Polish firm PESA instead.
An investigation found that foreign subsidies enabled CRRC to underbid competitors, undermining the EU's internal market integrity.
The Mota-Engil-led consortium, which submitted the lowest bid of €598.8 million, will now partner with PESA.
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU criticized the decision, claiming insufficient justification against a subcontractor with a minor contract share.
The tender process began in April 2025, and the investigation was launched in November 2025.