At least 14 of the European Union's (EU's) 27 member states have voted against a European Commission proposal to impose punitive duties on imported Chinese solar panels.

Sources familiar with the case said only four members -- France, Spain, Italy and Lithuania -- are believed to be standing on the side of the European Commission. While the trade commissioner would still have the right to impose the duties, doing so in the face of member states' opposition would be politically hard.

The duties, averaging 47 percent, will come into force from June 6 for a trial period but could be withdrawn if sides concerned reach a negotiated settlement.

Due to its "disastrous" impact on jobs and business along the EU photovoltaic industry value chain, the commission's plan has been widely opposed by EU business leaders and politicians.

Business leaders in the EU warned that they would run out of business and that Europe's solar market might collapse if China's high-quality and less-expensive solar products were shut out of the European market.