Séjourné warns countries to open markets or lose EU contracts
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · May 8
Séjourné warns countries to open markets or lose EU contracts
8 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · May 8
In Brussels, European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné told partners on Friday that support is growing among EU capitals for a major policy shift.
He said countries that shut out European companies should not expect access to EU goods and services procurement, signalling more public spending could stay within the bloc.
Séjourné argued the move is needed to counter unfair global competition and protect European control of critical clean-tech, automotive and nuclear production chains.
Will protecting its clean tech industry make Europe's green energy transition too expensive to achieve on time?
Will the EU's 'Made in Europe' plan fracture its own single market before it can challenge global rivals?
As Europe walls off its market, what retaliatory trade measures can be expected from powers like China and the US?
Navigating Trade Wars and Sovereignty: The EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act Aiming for 20% GDP Manufacturing Share
Overview
In early 2026, the EU adopted the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), led by Stéphane Séjourné, marking a shift toward a 'reciprocal access' trade policy focused on reducing strategic dependencies and boosting industrial sovereignty. The Act sets a goal to raise EU manufacturing to 20% of GDP by 2035 through mechanisms like the 'Made in EU' preference system and tighter foreign investment controls. While France champions the IAA as vital for resilience, Germany and several member states oppose it over protectionism and bureaucratic concerns, causing political divisions. The Act also sparked international backlash, notably from China and key trading partners, raising risks of trade conflicts and forcing last-minute concessions. The IAA’s phased implementation aims to balance industrial revival with global trade challenges.