"The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, will next week propose new rules that are expected to include a requirement for companies in strategic sectors to produce in Europe if they want to receive public money. But the definition of "European preference" has triggered debate, with calls especially from France for more "Made in Europe", while other EU states such as Germany call for "Made with Europe"."
"But EU leaders during talks Thursday appeared to reach a consensus on the issue, pushing for the measure in certain specific sectors since they say Europe faces unfair competition from China and other countries. "We are in favour of open markets," German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Monday. "But I also want to be very clear: if China changes the rules of the game, if we are confronted with overcapacity, subsidies, and the fact that markets in Europe are flooded, then Europe must defend itself.""
"French President Emmanuel Macron insisted the new rules would be about "protecting our industry" without "being protectionist", by defending "certain strategic sectors, such as cleantech, chemicals, steel, cars or defence". Otherwise, he warned, "Europeans will be swept aside". But other EU countries, which are proponents of free trade, oppose the plans. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Europe should compete based on quality and innovation, not because it wanted to protect European markets."
New EU proposals would require companies in designated strategic sectors to manufacture in Europe to qualify for public funding. The term "European preference" is contested, with France pushing strict "Made in Europe" rules and others, notably Germany, favouring "Made with Europe" flexibility. Supporters frame measures as protecting industry in sectors like cleantech, chemicals, steel, cars and defence without being protectionist. Some member states oppose protectionist approaches and argue Europe should compete on quality and innovation. Leaders express concern about unfair competition from China, citing overcapacity, subsidies and flooded markets, and call for targeted defences in specific sectors.
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