European Commission proposal to buy European goods against China
The European Union aims to encourage public institutions such as hospitals and schools to prefer domestic products by implementing a comprehensive reform of public procurement rules.
The European Commission has announced a comprehensive reform of public procurement rules as a countermeasure against China's economic power, and has prepared new proposals to encourage public institutions to prefer European-origin goods and services.
Comprehensive change in public procurement rules
The European Commission has published new proposals to ensure that public institutions favor domestic goods and services more when spending money.
No binding quotas
Public institutions such as schools and hospitals will be encouraged to buy products manufactured in Europe, but unlike some previous plans, there will be no binding mandatory quotas.
Challenging the cheapest bid perception
Officials in Brussels are concerned that many public institutions feel forced to choose the cheapest bid in public spending due to current regulations, which benefits foreign firms.
Providing legal clarity to authorities
Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's top official responsible for industrial policy, stated that the new regulation will provide public sector buyers with greater legal certainty and clarity regarding purchasing European-made products.