The great return of “Made in Europe”. The end of the era of cheap imports?

The European Commission will propose on Wednesday the Industrial Acceleration Act, which is intended to counteract the loss of importance of European industry in the world. It is intended to propose a method of promoting goods produced in Europe (Made in Europe).

The presentation of the long-awaited project was confirmed on Tuesday by EC spokeswoman Paula Pinho at a press conference. The project was scheduled for February 26 in the College of Commissioners' work plan, but its presentation was delayed.

The initiative was announced by the EC at the beginning of its current term in January 2025, and the consultations were completed in July 2025. The delay in presenting the EC project was due to the difference of opinion between member states as to what the promotion of European products should look like in practice.

The introduction of the “Buy European” principle into EU law was pushed by France, which wants to give priority to European producers in strategic sectors, including batteries, solar energy, wind energy and nuclear technologies. This means introducing a requirement into public procurement law that some of the components used to implement public projects must be manufactured in Europe.

This principle was partially introduced in the defense area as part of the EU SAFE and EDIP programs. von der Leyen referred to this postulate on Wednesday, proposing the introduction of a low-emission criterion into public procurement, which would give priority to clean European technologies over those subsidized, for example, from China. (PAP)

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