France is advocating for the European Union’s forthcoming “Made in Europe” regulations to prioritize firms within the EU, potentially excluding UK companies from accessing public contracts and incentives in critical sectors. This move is part of the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, which aims to boost demand for low-carbon European products through public procurement and government support, targeting industries such as steel, cement, aluminium, electric vehicles, and other net-zero technologies.
The French government is pushing for a stringent interpretation of these rules, limiting participation to the EU’s 27 member states. Meanwhile, the UK, having exited the EU single market, is seeking to be acknowledged as a reliable partner so that its companies can still vie for opportunities under the new framework.
In contrast, Germany and several Nordic countries have expressed support for a more inclusive approach that might extend to trusted non-EU partners. The discussions around the final regulations are ongoing, with the Industrial Accelerator Act still needing approval from both the European Parliament and the EU Council before it can be enacted.