EU Proposes 'Buy European' Rules for Public Procurement to Counter China

The European Commission published proposals on Wednesday for a sweeping overhaul of EU public procurement rules, aimed at encouraging European authorities and public bodies to buy more goods and services from within the bloc, according to The Guardian.

The plan, described as a further "Buy European" initiative, is intended to counter China's economic influence, the report said. It marks the latest step by the European Union to address concerns about dependence on Chinese-made goods and technology.

According to the source, the proposals would urge public authorities to prioritize European suppliers when spending public money, though the measures would not include binding quotas requiring such purchases. This approach suggests the Commission is seeking to influence procurement behavior through encouragement and policy guidance rather than mandatory requirements.

The move comes amid ongoing efforts by European policymakers to strengthen the bloc's economic resilience and reduce reliance on external powers, particularly China, for critical goods and services. Public procurement represents a significant portion of economic activity within the EU, making it a potential lever for shaping trade and industrial policy.

Further details of the proposal, including specific mechanisms for implementation and which sectors or types of purchases might be affected, were not fully outlined in the available source material. The Guardian reported that the plan was published as authorities across Europe continue to navigate questions about economic security and supply chain dependencies.