The European Union’s proposed “Made in Europe” rules, part of the Industrial Accelerator Act, aim to bolster demand for low-carbon products manufactured within Europe. As discussions unfold, France is advocating for these rules to focus primarily on EU-based companies, potentially disadvantaging British firms by restricting their access to public contracts and strategic industry incentives.
The Industrial Accelerator Act targets sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, electric vehicles, and other net-zero technologies, seeking to create a market for European-made products through public procurement and government support. France’s push for a narrow application of the rules is rooted in a desire to confine benefits to the EU’s 27 member states, excluding the UK, which operates outside the EU single market.
Conversely, Germany and several Nordic countries have expressed support for a more inclusive approach that could extend to trusted non-EU partners. This broader perspective would potentially allow British companies to compete under the new framework, aligning with the UK’s request for recognition as a trusted partner.
The Industrial Accelerator Act is still in the proposal stage and requires negotiation between the European Parliament and the EU Council before it can be enacted. The outcome of these discussions will determine the scope of the “Made in Europe” rules and the extent to which they might include or exclude non-EU entities like the UK.