Wes Streeting urges Brussels to avoid protectionism ahead of the United Kingdom–EU summit on 20 November

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned the European Union on Monday not to turn its “made in Europe” policy into a form of protectionism, ahead of the United Kingdom–EU summit scheduled for 20 November in Brussels. The statement was made at a press conference also attended by Europe’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.

London fears it could be disadvantaged by measures through which Brussels seeks to favor European products and companies, including in the automotive and defense industries. Streeting argued that preference for European production must not become “counterproductive.”

One of the main issues under negotiation is Britain’s participation in the “made in Europe” mechanism. Discussions intensified after the recent agreement reached by France and Germany in the automotive industry, which requires recipients of public funds to purchase components manufactured in Europe or in partner countries. The United Kingdom wants to be included in this category.

At the summit, the two sides hope to conclude agreements on food and beverage trade, youth mobility and emissions allowance trading. Brussels is also seeking to facilitate European youths’ access to British universities. Streeting was due to meet his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, in Berlin on Monday.