France’s industry council urges EU preference in public procurement

France’s National Industry Council (CNI) is pushing for a new procurement strategy that favors European-made products. In a set of proposals presented to the government on June 13, the council outlined three key measures to accelerate reindustrialization and boost competitiveness across the European Union.

Backed by all three council divisions, the proposals build on a report by economist and former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, outlining strategies to enhance Europe’s industrial competitiveness. One key measure recommends giving purchasing priority to products based on their place of origin, rather than the nationality of the supplying company. Industry leaders also call for restricting public tenders to countries outside the EU that do not offer reciprocal market access—a move they say is necessary “to restore balance.”

The council suggests expanding this preference beyond public contracts. It argues that similar criteria should apply to the distribution of EU funding, public subsidies, and regulatory frameworks—particularly those influencing demand for industrial products through standards and compliance measures.

Another proposal calls for mandatory origin labeling on all imported products sold within the European Union. The recommendation aligns with a 2025 report by Yves Jégo, president of the Origine France Garantie initiative, advocating for greater product sourcing transparency.

French industry leaders have long pushed for legal mechanisms to prioritize domestic suppliers in public procurement. The fashion and luxury sectors, in particular, have consistently raised the issue through their Strategic Committee, urging government support for local manufacturing.

While current EU regulations limit the scope for national preference policies, the council aims to reposition its proposals under a broader European framework—one that could gain traction in Brussels and strengthen regional industry without breaching single-market rules.