At the invitation of the Minister of Industry, Sebastien Martin, more than 300 heads of European industrial enterprises gathered at the French Ministry of Economy in Bercy, Paris. They called on the European Union to pursue a tougher and more ambitious policy of industrial preferences.
The main topic of the meeting was the proposed Law on accelerating Industrial Production. The document may introduce European requirements for the level of localization in strategic sectors and in public procurement. Martin stated that European legislation should support production and value chains located in Europe.
"The label "Made in Europe" should mean made in Europe, not made in the world," the minister said.
According to him, we are not talking about closing the European market. The aim of the initiative is to create fairer competition conditions and build partnerships with countries that adhere to similar rules.
The initiative has received the support of more than 600 industry leaders and companies across Europe. Among the signatories of the document are France Industrie, Dassault Aviation, ArcelorMittal, Acerinox, Ferroglobe, Orano, Enedis and the French automotive platform PFA.
Martin stressed that France would be against any weakening of the bill's industrial ambitions. At the same time, he warned that if the IAA was extended to too many industries, it could reduce political support among EU member states.
The Minister also informed about the change in Germany's position and noted Italy's support for the French approach. France wants the European Parliament to adopt the law by the end of the year, after which a trilateral agreement will be signed in the first half of 2027. It should enter into force no later than 2028.
"European manufacturers no longer need words, they need actions," Martin said, presenting the coalition's position to colleagues at the EU Council on Competitiveness.