The European Union’s leaders endorsed “Buy European” policies protecting strategic sectors during their Belgian summit. The meeting addressed restoring European competitiveness through coordinated industrial protection.
The policy could mandate government prioritization of locally manufactured goods in public contracts, representing significant economic thinking shift. Later this month, an Industrial Accelerator Act will establish European content targets.
Von der Leyen acknowledged walking a fine line between necessary protection and maintaining international trade obligations. Her emphasis on robust economic analysis aims to balance strategic autonomy with global relationships.
The summit revealed Franco-German cooperation despite differences, with Macron and Merz arriving jointly. While sharing urgency about European action, they diverge on preference scope and trade approaches.
Former Prime Minister Draghi’s assessment that Europe must evolve from confederation to federation influenced discussions. He argued individual member state veto power creates vulnerabilities.