Brussels is debating a draft Industrial Accelerator Act that would require public‑procurement contracts to give preference to products bearing a “Made in Europe” label. The legislation, unveiled by the European Commission in March, targets net‑zero technologies such as photovoltaics, wind turbines and batteries, as well as nuclear, automotive, steel, cement, concrete and chemicals.
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche told a competitiveness ministers’ meeting in Brussels that the label should read “Made with Europe”, allowing partner economies – Norway, Switzerland and Canada – to qualify. Denmark, the Czech Republic and Luxembourg voiced support for Germany’s stance.
France’s industry minister Sébastien Martin countered that “Europe” should refer exclusively to the 27 EU states, arguing that public funds must flow to European industry alone. He stressed that any agreement with Switzerland must be reached among the EU members first.
Poland, Romania and Spain proposed a sector‑by‑sector definition. Spain’s industry minister Jordi Hereu outlined a three‑tier mechanism: the first tier covers the EU27, the second adds EEA members and trusted partners such as Switzerland, and a third tier would include countries with free‑trade or other agreements.
Polish state secretary for the economy Michal Baranowski warned that the rules must not create “bureaucratic nightmares” for businesses.
Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) is monitoring the talks closely, insisting that Swiss firms should not be disadvantaged. Seco officials have met EU officials in Ireland and Brussels and plan a delegation visit to Paris in early September to discuss the EU’s competitiveness and resilience measures.
The United Kingdom, echoing Swiss concerns, raised the issue with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York.
The EU Council of member states must adopt a position on the proposal before the next competitiveness council on Dec. 3, chaired by Ireland, which holds the EU Council presidency until the end of the year. The European Parliament will then formulate its stance, after which the Council and Parliament will negotiate a final text.
