The policy, designed to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, would reserve key benefits for EU member states. Burnham’s intervention signals UK concern over the potential loss of access for British manufacturers. France’s stance reflects a determination to protect the internal market’s advantages, leaving the UK to negotiate its place in Europe's clean-tech supply chain from outside the bloc. The 'Made in Europe' law is still under development, and its final scope remains subject to EU intergovernmental bargaining.
France pushes to exclude UK from EU's 'Made in Europe' policy
French minister says non-members do not get same protection in law designed to curb Chinese competition
By LineZotpaper
Published
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Sources2 outlets
France is leading a push to exclude the UK from the European Union’s 'Made in Europe' policy, a move that could see British companies lose out in the race to supply low-carbon technologies and electric cars to European countries. The French minister responsible stated that 'if you’re not in the internal market, you don’t get the same protection.' The issue was raised by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- British companies in low-carbon technology and electric vehicle sectors could lose a significant market.
- The dispute underscores post-Brexit trade tensions and the UK's struggle to maintain economic ties with the EU.
- The outcome may influence future EU-UK cooperation on climate and industrial policy.
Background
The EU is crafting a 'Made in Europe' law to bolster domestic manufacturing of clean technologies and reduce dependency on Chinese suppliers. The UK, having left the EU in 2020, is no longer part of the single market but has sought to align with EU standards to facilitate trade. France, a key EU member, is arguing that non-members should not benefit from the protections and incentives the law will create. The policy is still in the proposal stage, and its details are being negotiated among member states.
Key Perspectives
France: Pushing to exclude non-EU countries to ensure that the law's benefits—such as subsidies and preferential access—are reserved for EU member states, protecting the integrity of the internal market. United Kingdom: Andy Burnham’s meeting with von der Leyen indicates UK concern about exclusion; British firms could lose competitive ground to EU-based rivals in clean-tech supply chains. Some observers: Caution that excluding the UK may complicate EU climate goals, given the interconnected nature of energy and automotive supply chains across Europe.
What to Watch
- Further diplomatic talks between UK officials and the European Commission.
- The formal legislative text of the 'Made in Europe' law and its definition of eligible partners.
- Potential UK government response, including possible trade or investment measures.
Sources
- France says EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ law should not include the UK — Business | The Guardian
- France says EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ law should not include the UK — World news | The Guardian