German Economy Minister Rebuffs Séjourné’s ‘Buy European’ Push

By Maximilian Henning

(EurActiv) -- Germany’s economy minister Katherina Reiche has pushed back against EU plans to steer public procurement towards European companies on Saturday, warning that competitiveness cannot be built through isolation.

Her remarks respond to a push led by EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, who on Monday published an opinion article in several European newspapers calling for a “Made in Europe” approach, including a “real European preference” in strategic sectors. The piece was co-signed by more than 1,000 business leaders and trade union representatives.

“The European answer to global competitiveness challenges cannot be isolation,” Reiche told news agency DPA. She said Germany instead favours a “Made with Europe” approach, combining domestic strengths with cooperation with reliable global partners.

Reiche argued that Europe should focus on cutting red tape and boosting investment, rather than introducing procurement preferences that could limit competition.

The European Commission has been preparing several legislative proposals expected to move in Séjourné’s direction as debate over industrial sovereignty has intensified amid repeated trade tensions with China and the United States.

France has long championed favouring European firms in public procurement, but scepticism remains widespread among smaller member states, particularly in the Nordics.

This week, several warned that “Buy European” rules could further complicate EU legislation at a time when Brussels is seeking simplification.

Berlin had appeared closer to Paris on the issue in recent months, buoyed by the political alignment between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. In November, Merz backed Macron’s call to prioritise European digital firms.

Yet tensions persist. Luise Hölscher, state secretary in Germany’s digital ministry, recently said she was “disillusioned” by cooperation with France on sovereignty issues, arguing that for Paris, “buy European” seemed to mean “buy French”.

EU leaders will stake out their positions at an informal summit on Thursday. Council President António Costa put the issue high on the agenda, arguing that some form of European preference will be unavoidable.