France is advocating for the European Union’s upcoming “Made in Europe” rules to prioritize companies within the EU, which could potentially restrict British firms from accessing public contracts and incentives tied to strategic industries. This initiative is part of the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, aimed at boosting demand for European-made, low-carbon products through public procurement and government support. The sectors affected include steel, cement, aluminium, electric vehicles, and other net-zero technologies.
The French government has been vocal about enforcing a strict definition that would limit participation to the EU’s 27 member states. Meanwhile, the UK, no longer part of the EU single market, is seeking to be recognized as a trusted partner, allowing British companies to remain competitive under the new framework.
However, this perspective is not universally shared within the EU. Germany, along with several Nordic countries, has shown support for a more inclusive approach that might extend opportunities to trusted non-EU partners. As it stands, negotiations on the final terms of the Industrial Accelerator Act are still underway.
The Act remains a proposal and will require extensive discussions within the European Parliament and the EU Council before any adoption. These negotiations will determine the final scope and application of the rules, deciding whether they will reflect France’s narrow interpretation or a broader, more inclusive approach as advocated by other EU members.