How can the EU strengthen its industrial competitiveness, economic resilience and climate ambitions in an increasingly fragmented global economy? This Think2030 policy brief explores the evolving role of European trade and industrial policy, focusing on “Made in EU” requirements, public procurement and support for low-carbon production. It examines how European preferences can stimulate clean industrial investment while preserving an open, competitive and resilient Single Market.
The brief highlights three key priorities: designing European preferences to generate additional investment in clean manufacturing; ensuring access to affordable clean energy while supporting quality jobs, skills development and a fair workforce transition; and placing climate performance and fair competition at the heart of EU trade policy. It stresses the importance of assessing European content across entire value chains, defining clear rules of origin and avoiding fragmented requirements across sectors.
Finally, the brief calls for a strategic yet open approach to EU trade policy. Public procurement and industrial support should accelerate decarbonisation rather than simply subsidise planned investments. At the same time, targeted trade measures and Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships can help address unfair competition, diversify supply chains and promote low-carbon production beyond Europe’s borders. The central challenge is to combine industrial strength, emissions reductions and social benefits without resorting to protectionism.
