The European Commission's proposed 'Made in EU' rules would require local content and low-carbon standards for public procurement in sectors like EVs, solar, wind, and steel. With public procurement worth over 2 trillion euros annually, these rules could reshape supply chains. Critics argue they amount to protectionism that will raise costs and harm trade with the UK, which remains deeply integrated with EU manufacturing. The article notes that British-built cars often contain components that cross the Channel multiple times. Excluding the UK from eligibility could disrupt an 80 billion euro automotive relationship. Some EU member states, including Sweden and the Czech Republic, warn that strict rules may deter investment and push prices up. The core tension: the EU wants to reduce dependence on Chinese technology, but local content requirements may slow deployment of clean energy and vehicles. The policy needs to balance strategic resilience with open trade and cost efficiency.
