Macron pushes for European procurement quotas

European Union leaders are facing growing calls to protect the internal market through a “Buy European” strategy amid US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and increasing economic pressure from China. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for policies that would introduce mandatory quotas for products made in Europe and give priority to European companies in public procurement, according to Bild. 

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has also expressed support for measures that would set minimum shares of European components in production. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has opposed such an approach.

Economists have warned about the potential risks of the policy. Professor Lars Feld of Freiburg said that a “Buy European” strategy could isolate the EU from global competitors, slow economic growth, and threaten jobs.

Similarly, Clemens Fuest of the Ifo Institute cautioned that expanding such programmes could prompt other countries to introduce similar protectionist measures, ultimately increasing global economic protectionism.

By Sabina Mammadli