Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK minister for EU relations, has warned that the European Union's 'Made in Europe' industrial strategy could disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and create unnecessary trade barriers between the UK and EU member states. Speaking at an economic event in Madrid, he expressed concerns that strict preference requirements for European-made products would harm deeply integrated supply chains, particularly affecting UK-Spain trade.
The EU is preparing legislation to prioritise European products in public procurement and consumer schemes, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports and boost local production in strategic sectors amid geopolitical uncertainty. Thomas-Symonds argued that the UK and EU face shared challenges in raising competitiveness and productivity, and that causing unnecessary economic damage to each other would be counterproductive.
His comments come as the UK government seeks to improve ties with the EU following the 'reset' deal announced last May. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled potential sectoral deals to deepen single market access, though such moves may face opposition from UK political parties.
EU leaders agreed in February to advance a 'Buy European' policy to secure the continent's future, targeting sectors like defence, space, clean tech, quantum, artificial intelligence, and payment systems. The draft plan includes EU and European Economic Area members but not the UK, though 'trusted partners' could be added later.
The strategy has faced criticism from some member states, including Italy and Germany, who worry about overly narrow rules. The European Commission is due to publish its Industrial Accelerator Act later this month, setting targets for European content in strategic products such as solar panels and electric vehicles.
