France is advocating for a narrow definition of European products in the EU’s developing “Made in Europe” policy that would exclude the United Kingdom from preferential treatment in public spending and subsidies. The initiative, still under negotiation, is designed to protect EU companies from what officials describe as unfair state-subsidized competition, particularly from China.
The centerpiece of this approach is the Industrial Accelerator Act, a proposed regulation that would require governments and authorities using public funds to favor European-manufactured products in sectors including renewable energy and electric vehicles. French officials have argued that taxpayer money should exclusively support European workers and factories, with industry minister Sébastien Martin emphasizing that nations choosing to leave the European Union should not receive the same protections as member states.
However, significant disagreement exists within the EU27 on how broadly to define eligible products and partner nations. Germany has proposed a wider “Made with Europe” framework that would include the UK and other allied countries, contending that excluding trading partners risks isolating Europe from the global economy. Several Nordic countries, including Sweden, have expressed support for Germany’s position, citing the importance of maintaining open trade relationships and noting that non-EU countries remain essential to European market functioning.
The timing of these negotiations has created complications for UK-EU relations. British officials, led by Andy Burnham, have made clarity on the Made in Europe policy a priority in upcoming reset talks with the European Union. These discussions are expected to occur in 2026, though internal EU negotiations on the Industrial Accelerator Act are unlikely to conclude before December at the earliest. EU officials have cautioned that the bloc must first achieve internal consensus before finalizing terms with external partners, warning that premature UK demands could complicate negotiations further.
Poland’s economic development minister indicated that multiple countries remain in discussions regarding their potential inclusion, stating that clarity on the UK’s status should emerge once the EU passes its legislation. Irish officials, who are chairing the ministerial negotiations, expressed hope for an agreement by December, while acknowledging significant divergences remain on European preference and engagement with third countries.
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