Britain and the European Union are working to resolve disagreements over Brussels’ proposed “Made in Europe” policy, with UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressing confidence
that the two sides can find a mutually acceptable solution.
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Reynolds said discussions were continuing between the British government and EU officials as manufacturers and investors awaited greater certainty about how the planned rules would affect UK businesses.
The proposals are designed to give European-made products preferential treatment in public procurement contracts, government-backed auctions and subsidy programmes. The measures would cover strategically important industries, including electric vehicles, batteries and other clean technologies, as the EU seeks to strengthen its industrial base and reduce dependence on lower-cost imports, particularly from China.
The initiative has raised concerns in Britain, where the automotive sector could face significant disadvantages if UK-produced goods are excluded from preferential treatment reserved for European manufacturers.
“I think we’re finding a way through that,” Reynolds said, adding that substantial work was taking place within government and in cooperation with the EU to address the outstanding issues.
A potential compromise has already emerged from discussions between France and Germany. According to earlier reports, the two countries have been exploring arrangements that could allow Britain to qualify as a trusted partner under the proposed framework.
Such an arrangement could, however, come with conditions. One option under discussion would require the UK to align its trade policy with the EU’s approach to tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially linking access to the scheme with closer coordination on trade measures.
For British manufacturers, the outcome could have considerable implications for investment decisions, supply chains and the competitiveness of UK-made vehicles and clean-energy technologies in European markets.
The final shape of the initiative remains undecided. Any agreement on the proposed framework will require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament before it can take effect.
