"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"."
"Protecting Europe or European protectionism?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."
"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.""
The European Commission will propose rules requiring companies in strategic sectors to produce in Europe to receive public funding. The proposal centers on a contested definition of "European preference", with France pushing for strict "Made in Europe" requirements and other states like Germany favoring a looser "Made with Europe" approach. Some member states oppose strict constraints on the grounds that they would shield non-competitive firms and undermine free trade. EU leaders signaled conditional support for targeted measures in specific sectors, citing concerns over unfair competition, overcapacity and subsidies from third countries.
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