France Ends Opposition to UK Inclusion in EU Industrial Act
France has dropped its opposition to including the United Kingdom in the EU's Made in Europe legislation to jointly counter Chinese automotive competition.
The French Republic has dropped its opposition to including the United Kingdom in the European Union's draft Made in Europe legislation, specifically regarding the automotive sector. This shift aligns France with the Federal Government of Germany, which has consistently supported the UK's inclusion in the Industrial Accelerator Act to protect domestic manufacturing from Chinese competition.
Under a joint Franco-German proposal, the United Kingdom and Norway may opt into the legislation if they agree to full reciprocity and dynamic alignment with EU trade defense measures. These requirements include implementing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and adopting anti-circumvention measures.
The Government of the United Kingdom views the development as a way to protect supply chains and avoid losing billions in trade. While Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds previously stated he would not be coerced into aligning with EU policy, Trade Minister Anas Sarwar recently indicated the UK is minded to act in lockstep with the EU to counter China's automotive dominance.
