EU delays ‘Made in Europe’ plan amid internal rift

The European Commission has postponed the launch of the ‘Made in Europe’ initiative, which is intended to promote the use of domestic components and technologies in strategic sectors. The delay stems from disagreement over the geographical scope of protection for European industry.

The measures were designed to introduce minimum quotas for locally manufactured components in publicly funded projects, particularly in the fields of batteries, renewable energy and nuclear power.

While France and several other member states are pressing for stricter ‘Made in Europe’ provisions in response to cheaper imports from China, Sweden and the Czech Republic warn that such measures could drive up costs and undermine the EU’s competitiveness.

There is also dispute over whether the protection should apply exclusively to EU and European Free Trade Association countries or extend to partners such as the UK and Turkey.

The proposal forms part of a broader Clean Industrial Deal strategy aimed at strengthening Europe’s position vis-à-vis the United States and China.

(reuters, pir)