EU Executive VP Séjourné advocates ‘Made in Europe' preference for strategic sectors

EU Executive Vice‑President Stéphane Séjourné published an op‑ed calling for tying European public funding to companies that commit a substantial share of production to the EU. The piece, syndicated in several major outlets including Handelsblatt on 2 February 2026, was presented as a call signed by 1,141 European business and union leaders.

“Whenever European public funds are used, they must contribute to European production and to high-quality jobs,” Séjourné wrote. Firms bidding for public tenders, state aid, or other financial support—including foreign direct investment incentives—would need to commit significant production to EU territory. This would establish “a genuine European preference in our most strategically important industries.” This was presented in the op‑ed as a policy proposal rather than an adopted Commission text.