Czechia and eight other states criticise proposal to prioritise EU-made products

Czechia and eight other EU countries oppose a planned European Commission initiative that would require public buyers to prioritise products made in Europe. Outgoing Czech industry minister Lukáš Vlček said Europe should protect strategic sectors but stay open to high-value foreign investment. A Czech-led non-paper, backed by eight states and informally supported by several others, warns that such preferences could harm the single market, disrupt supply chains and strain EU trade relations. According to the Financial Times, the Commission has postponed the proposal to 28 January amid concerns it could cost EU companies over €10 billion a year and weaken competitiveness.