The French Minister of the Economy raises the idea of ​​a “European preference” for public procurement

The minister made these remarks in Meudon (Hauts-de-Seine, west of Paris) after a third trilateral meeting since June with his German counterparts Robert Habeck and Italian Adolfo Urso.

“A subject on which we continue to debate and we want to advance our discussions, even if there is not yet an agreement between the three of us, is the European preference,” explained Mr. Le Maire during the the final press conference.

"The trade deficit between China and Europe has multiplied by 3 in 10 years, going from 100 to 300 billion euros, we therefore need, in my opinion, to know whether we should not reserve public markets to products +made in Europe+, or have European content in calls for tenders, of 40, 50 or 60%, or impose the strictest quality standards or environmental standards on products in public markets", he said.

Germany seems more reluctant to such measures, due to the risk of retaliation on its own products.

“Europe must understand that in certain economic areas, such as photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles and batteries, it has become a catch-up economy,” launched Mr. Le Maire.

For him, in a world where "China and the United States will not give us any gifts", "there is not a second to lose to develop our economic assets", in particular in the climate transition and artificial intelligence. .

Mr. Le Maire and his counterparts also spoke of the need to simplify European standards and rules.

He once again said he was in favor of putting in place an omnibus directive the day after the European elections to eliminate unnecessary standards.

With regard to the standards weighing on businesses, the three countries, whose combined GDP represents more than half of that of the EU, are also "ready to think" about increasing the threshold number of employees from 250 to 500. -beyond which they apply.

Finally, according to Mr. Le Maire, they wish to "harmonize the common purchase of raw materials", such as nickel, "and the status of waste, absolutely essential for recycling and to strengthen our autonomy".