A landmark agreement on “Buy European” policies emerged from the EU summit addressing strategic sector protection. Leaders from all 27 member states developed coordinated responses to Europe’s declining competitiveness.
The policy shift toward European preference marks significant evolution, potentially mandating government prioritization of locally manufactured goods in public contracts. This represents changed circumstances requiring protective measures.
Von der Leyen’s March action plan encompasses regulatory simplification, EU Inc startup support, capital market integration, and energy price reductions. The comprehensive package addresses multiple competitiveness constraints simultaneously.
Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands face particularly severe challenges with factory closures and declining investment. Prime Minister De Wever blamed high energy costs, regulatory burdens, and Chinese dumping.
The summit revealed Franco-German cooperation despite policy differences, with leaders arriving jointly. While demonstrating shared urgency, they diverge on European preference scope and trade approaches.
