EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne urged a Made in Europe push in a Reuters‑published op‑ed, backed by 1,100 CEOs. He warned that without a clear industrial policy, the bloc risks becoming a playground for rivals. The call follows the Commission’s upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act to support European manufacturing growth in 2026.

Signatories include steel giants ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, Tata Steel, pharma leaders Novo Nordisk and Sanofi, tyre makers Continental, Michelin, Pirelli, airline Air France KLM, and utility Engie. Car makers were notably absent, hinting at sectoral priorities. The proposal aims to counter cheaper Chinese imports while sparking debate across member states today.

France champions the scheme, while Sweden and the Czech Republic warn that buy local mandates could inflate tender costs and deter foreign investment. Sejourne argues that public funds must boost European production and quality jobs, echoing the U.S. 'Buy American' model and China’s 'Made in China' narrative for global leadership.

Next month, the Commission will formalise the Industrial Accelerator Act, setting local‑production thresholds for EU procurement. Investors will watch how the rule balances protectionism with competitiveness, while industry leaders gauge the impact on supply chains and cost structures. The outcome could reshape Europe's industrial future for the next decade and beyond.