Frankfurt am Main – While the German government is putting the brakes on “Made in Europe” initiatives in Brussels, a large majority of the population supports clear requirements for local value creation in Europe. In a representative survey commissioned by IG Metall, 70 percent agreed with the statement: Companies that sell products on the European market should be legally required to locate a portion of their production within the EU. Nine out of ten respondents support the idea that subsidies should only go to companies that, in return, secure production and jobs in Europe. 83 percent are in favor of public contracts being awarded only to companies that guarantee secure jobs in Europe.
Against this backdrop, Jürgen Kerner, Second Chairman of IG Metall, strongly criticizes the federal government’s actions: “When policymakers use taxpayer money, it must strengthen Europe as an industrial hub and secure jobs here at home. And: Anyone who wants to sell in Europe must also ensure production and employment here. It’s so clear and simple—and, as our survey shows, it’s obvious to almost everyone in Germany. This makes it all the more incomprehensible that parts of the federal government are straying from the right path here and acting as a brake in Brussels.”
High approval even among CDU supporters—yet the CDU-led ministry is blocking the measure
The survey shows high levels of support across party lines—including among CDU supporters, some of whom even exceed the average. At the same time, the CDU-led Federal Ministry of Economics has expressed skepticism toward far-reaching local content requirements and is putting the brakes on corresponding initiatives in Brussels. Kerner calls for a clear change of course: “The Federal Ministry of Economics must immediately end its resistance to effective local content requirements. Anything else is no longer justifiable to employees.”
Another Delay of the EU Industrial Package Jeopardizes Jobs
The European Commission, under the leadership of Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, is currently working on the so-called Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), an EU regulation aimed at modernizing European industry more quickly, making it climate-neutral, and strengthening its position in global competition. However, due to disputes over local content rules, the industrial package is now apparently being postponed once again—for the third time. The regulation was originally scheduled to be published later this week.
Kerner warns of the consequences: “Companies need reliability and predictability. This back-and-forth is toxic for investment, for industry, and for jobs. The Federal Ministry of Economics must finally end its blockade and play a constructive role.”
About the survey:
For this representative survey, the market and opinion research institute Civey surveyed a total of 2,500 people aged 18 and older from February 9 to 10, 2026.
Further information and press photos of Jürgen Kerner
