Making 'Made in EU' work for workers

'Made in Europe' local-sourcing requirements on specific products could help the EU minimise future job losses and tackle regional decline.  

Ahead of the Industrial Accelerator Act due later this month, research by ZOE Institute has identified 84 priority products and technologies for which EU preference criteria would have most socio-economic benefits. These include batteries, semiconductors, electronic components, and heat pumps. 

The researchers conclude that 'Made in EU' obligations can contribute to long-term prosperity but only when used selectively. Blanket onshoring risks raising consumer prices and stifling innovation.

Used wisely such preference criteria can speed-up the modernisation of Europe's industries and help remove fears around unemployment which have been shown to drive support for anti-democratic parties. 

Lukas Bertram, economist at ZOE Institute, said: "Europe's economies are under strain and its right that governments take a more proactive approach to shaping future industries and supporting manufacturing. Made in EU criteria can help create decent, secure jobs if they target the products and technologies that are part of Europe's long-term future. The criteria risk backfiring if applied in the wrong way."

ZOE Institute's 7-step framework for Strategic Use of European Preference Criteria, is published in conjunction with a joint paper with the Geostrategic Europe Taskforce, Targeting European Preference Criteria Where They Matter Most.