‘Buy European’ push divides opinionsDEBATE: While leaders agree on the need to counter Chinese subsidies, new rules face a backlash over supply chain stability and trade retaliationAFP, BRUSSELS, BelgiumEveryone in Europe agrees the EU needs to rescue its industry, but the bloc is split over how far it should push a “Buy European” approach to do so. However, other EU countries, which are proponents of free trade, oppose the plans. “We do not want to protect European businesses that are basically not competitive,” Kristersson told the Financial Times last week. It will affect: a limited number of critical components, a limited number of strategic sectors and only when public funding is involved. Sejourne’s office insisted companies producing in the EU would be considered European and there will be “reciprocal commitments” with trusted partners.

Source: Taipei Times February 17, 2026 17:15 UTC