The European Commission has delayed the presentation of new industrial policy measures under the Industrial Acceleration Act (IAA) by one week due to internal disagreements over proposed local content requirements, reports Reuters.
Originally scheduled for February 26, the proposal will now be unveiled on March 4, according to the office of Commission Executive Vice President Stephane Sejournet. The postponement aims to allow further negotiations between Member States and stakeholders.
Discussion centers on Made in Europe procurement rules
The Industrial Accelerator Act is expected to introduce minimum local content thresholds for industrial components used in publicly funded projects in strategic sectors including batteries, solar power, wind power and nuclear technology.
The initiative is part of the wider EU Clean Industrial Deal, which aims to strengthen Europe's industrial base and competitiveness in the face of increased global competition, especially from the US and China.
Concerns about competitiveness and impact on investment
However, EU member states remain divided over the proposal. Countries such as France strongly support stricter "buy European" rules to protect domestic industries from cheaper imports produced to less stringent environmental standards. Other countries, including Sweden and the Czech Republic, have warned that mandatory local content rules could lead to increased procurement
