EU governments negotiate rules for European products in public procurement / France, Germany and Spain propose different models

The governments of the Member States of the European Union are negotiating a draft law on industrial acceleration, which would grant preferential treatment to European products in public contracts. The measure would target sectors such as the automotive industry, steel, and green technologies, but the Member States have not reached an agreement on the definition of “European product”.

Germany supports the “Made in Europe” principle and wants the rules to include the EU’s trading partners that offer European companies equivalent access to their own public procurement. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche mentioned Norway, Switzerland, and Canada. The discussion is also taking place in the context of the proposal for Ottawa to receive “associate” member status in the Union.

France advocates a stricter approach, limited to the 27 Member States. Spain proposes a compromise based on three circles: EU states, countries in the European Economic Area, and partners with reciprocal access to procurement, namely states with trade agreements or those capable of supplying critical components.

Italy does not yet have a clear position, supporting only an open preference for strategic partners. Ireland, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, hopes for a compromise by December.