German Economy Minister Rebuffs Séjourné’s ‘Buy European’ Push

By Maximilian Henning

(EurActiv) -- Germany’s economy minister Katherina Reiche has pushed back against EU plans to steer public procurement towards European companies on Saturday, warning that competitiveness cannot be built through isolation.

Her remarks respond to a push led by EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, who on Monday published an opinion article in several European newspapers calling for a “Made in Europe” approach, including a “real European preference” in strategic sectors.