British minister warns EU that 'Made in Europe' policy could become protectionist against British companies

Brussels -- British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned the European Union on Monday that a “Made in Europe” policy could foster protectionism, harming industrial and defence cooperation between the two sides and excluding British companies from European projects. Speaking to journalists ahead of his meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in Brussels, Streeting said, “We must be careful to ensure that the ‘Made in Europe’ initiative does not turn into protectionism that backfires,” stressing the importance of maintaining openness in cooperation between Britain and the EU.

The British minister underscored the need to strengthen cooperation between the two sides to protect Europe, support Ukraine, and develop modern weapons needed to address growing security challenges. He noted that British and European forces train to fight side by side, and it is important that defence industry companies also coordinate and integrate with each other.

Streeting highlighted that defence is one of the most important areas of cooperation and partnership between Britain and the EU, pointing out that both sides are intensifying their support for Ukraine and working to enhance European defence capabilities in a world where risks are increasing.

Following the meeting, Kallas affirmed that Britain is a key partner for Europe’s security, noting that she and Streeting held the EU-Britain dialogue on foreign and security policy in Brussels. She said the security and defence partnership between the two sides is delivering tangible results, explaining that they are working together to counter hybrid threats and foreign information manipulation, while their close cooperation on sanctions continues.

Kallas added that the upcoming EU-Britain summit in two weeks will provide an opportunity to take new steps to strengthen this partnership.

During his Brussels visit, Streeting is scheduled to meet EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius before heading to Berlin to meet German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who is known for supporting Britain’s participation in European defence industry initiatives.

These moves come amid British concerns that the EU is moving to prioritise European companies in public procurement and strategic industries, including defence, which could exclude British firms from new European industrial initiatives. (End) A.R.N. / A.P.G.