The media reported on the disagreements of EU leaders in the "Buy European" initiative

The positions of the leaders of the European Union (EU) member states on the effectiveness of the "Buy European" policy are radically different, which may lead to disagreements at the upcoming informal summit of EU leaders in Belgium. The Guardian writes about this on February 12.

"It is expected that at the summit dedicated to finding ways to ensure the future of the [European] continent in a more unstable global economy, EU leaders will disagree on the expediency of the [Buy European] program as a response to Europe's deteriorating economic situation," the article says.

The main proponent of the initiative is French President Emmanuel Macron. He insists on the introduction of requirements for European governments to give preference to locally produced goods in government contracts. At the same time, special attention should be paid to European companies in strategically important industries such as green technologies, chemical and steel industries, as well as automotive and defense.

At the same time, France's position has not found a response among its European partners, who advocate the preservation of freer trade. It is noted that Germany, Italy, the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic States expressed a negative position. They fear that preferences for European companies will add "another layer" to the already bureaucratically complex regulation of trade in the EU, which will discourage investment. Critics of the "Buy European" initiative advocate increased deregulation and easier trade deals.

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On January 21, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant called Europe a regulatory swamp. He stressed that European states should eliminate trade barriers within Europe itself, as well as barriers to foreign trade.

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