The European People’s Party (EVP) has faced strong criticism from the SPD and the Greens regarding a motion filed in the Bundestag that completely rejects the “Made in Europe” rules proposed by the EU Commission under the “Industrial Accelerator Act.”
SPD MEP Jens Geier told “Spiegel” that the EVP appeared disorganized concerning the legislative proposal and that its stance threatened to derail the European industrial sector. Geier further criticized the motion, asserting that it undermines cooperation between Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting the Chancellor’s office might wonder about the EVP’s stability.
Anna Cavazzini, the Greens MEP and the Parliament’s rapporteur responsible for the law, highlighted divisions among conservative members. She noted the internal inconsistency within the Union, pointing out the contradiction created when Chancellor Merz collaborates with President Macron, yet German EVP MEPs simultaneously demand the bill’s rejection. Cavazzini expressed her hope that all parties would work together to protect European industry.
The EU Commission submitted this legislation in March. The key provision requires that a minimum percentage of production must occur in Europe whenever EU states allocate funds-for example, when awarding construction contracts or subsidizing electric car purchases. The law is still subject to voting and potential modifications by the European Parliament and Member States.
The conservative MEPs Angelika Niebler (CSU), Christian Ehler (CDU), and Jörgen Warborn (Sweden) recently introduced a motion seeking to reject the legislative proposal. However, within EVP circles, it has been reported that this trio has simultaneously submitted several amendment requests aimed at improving the original draft. This suggests the rejection motion might be a tactical signal intended to pressure the rapporteurs from the Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens into making concessions.
