The European Commission is set to unveil a sweeping reform of public procurement rules that would empower member states to prioritize European suppliers in government contracts.
The initiative aims to reduce reliance on non-EU vendors, particularly Chinese firms, which currently account for an estimated 15% of the bloc's gross domestic product in key strategic sectors.
The proposed changes would allow national authorities to exclude foreign competitors from certain tenders on grounds of strategic autonomy and supply chain security.
This marks a significant shift in EU trade policy, moving from open-market principles toward a more protectionist stance in critical infrastructure and technology sectors.
The reform comes as global trade tensions escalate and the EU seeks to bolster its industrial base against geopolitical risks.
By favoring local suppliers, Brussels hopes to stimulate domestic investment and create jobs within the single market, while reducing vulnerability to external shocks.