Ursula von der Leyen supports the introduction of a "European preference" clause for strategic sectors receiving public funds: "Europe must be able to defend its interests"

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has proposed the introduction of a 'European preference' clause in strategic sectors, requiring companies benefiting from public funds to source European components.

In a letter addressed to the 27 member states, she emphasized the importance of protecting Europe's strategic interests and supporting local production. This initiative will be discussed at a summit of EU leaders on competitiveness, scheduled for Thursday in Belgium. The European Commission is working on a draft law to implement this preference, particularly in the automotive industry, but its presentation has been postponed due to divergences among member states.

France strongly supports this idea to protect the electric battery industry, while Germany opposes it, fearing increased costs for producers.