International Trade
Could New‘ Made in Europe’ Procurement Rules Affect UK Exporters?
UK businesses supplying goods and services to public-sector organisations across Europe may need to keep a close eye on proposed changes to EU procurement rules.
Published by the European Commission on 9 September 2026, the proposed Public Procurement Act includes plans to introduce new‘ Made in Europe’ criteria as part of a wider reform of how public contracts are awarded across the EU.
While the proposals do not suggest that UK businesses would be excluded from EU procurement opportunities, they could place greater emphasis on European origin, supply chain resilience and wider strategic considerations when public authorities evaluate tenders.
WHAT’ S BEING PROPOSED?
Public procurement is a major market. Across the European Union, public authorities spend around € 2.6 trillion annually on goods, services and works, covering everything from infrastructure and transport
50 | Autumn 2026 to healthcare, technology and professional services.
The European Commission’ s proposals aim to use public procurement not only to secure value for money but also to support broader economic objectives, including:
• Strengthening European industry
• Improving supply chain resilience
• Enhancing economic security
• Supporting innovation
• Encouraging environmental and social goals
As part of this approach, contracting authorities could be given greater scope to consider European preference criteria when assessing bids.
WHAT DOES‘ MADE IN EUROPE’ MEAN?
The proposed measures form part of a wider EU strategy to encourage investment in European production and reduce reliance on external supply chains in strategically important sectors.
In practical terms, the proposals could allow greater consideration of where products are manufactured, where key components originate and how resilient supply chains are when contracts are awarded.
However, this should not automatically be interpreted as a barrier to UK suppliers.
The European Commission has indicated that any new procurement framework would continue to operate in line with the EU’ s international obligations, meaning existing procurement commitments will remain an important consideration.
WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR UK BUSINESSES?
Since Brexit, UK companies are classed as third-country suppliers when bidding for EU public contracts.
However, both the UK and the EU are members of the World Trade Organization’ s Agreement on Government Procurement( GPA), which provides access to specified procurement markets among participating economies.