EU drafts 'Buy European' rules for public tenders to curb foreign dependence
The European Commission is drafting 'Buy European' regulations for public tenders to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly in strategic sectors. The rules would allow authorities to favor EU-based companies and reject bids with less than 50% European content.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant shift toward economic protectionism within the EU, aimed at countering Chinese industrial dominance and securing supply chains.
The measures stop short of a blanket "Buy European" requirement, but would allow European authorities to rule out bids for big public contracts that have less than 50% European content and favour EU companies in strategic sectors.
The framing focuses on protectionist measures and 'curbing foreign dependence,' which aligns with nationalist economic policy narratives.
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