The European Commission has drafted a sweeping reform of public‑procurement rules that would allow EU countries and local authorities to independently bar Chinese businesses from government contracts. German newspaper Handelsblatt reports the move marks a fundamental shift in Brussels away from the classic free‑trade model toward industrial protectionism. The regulatory initiative is intended to shield European manufacturers from a flood of cheap imports from China that benefit from large state subsidies. When allocating public funds, contracting authorities will now be required to assess not only the lowest bid price but also the amount of value added created directly within Europe.

A key selection tool will be an updated "price‑quality ratio" formula in which non‑price criteria must account for at least 30% of the overall tender score. One priority condition will be a "Made in Europe" requirement that effectively grants automatic preference to European suppliers and producers. The new rules are aimed first and foremost at supporting critical sectors of the bloc, including the European auto industry, which has come under a particularly intense strain from Chinese competitors.

The tightening of access to public tenders comes amid steady growth in bilateral trade volumes. Since the start of 2026, total trade between China and the European Union has expanded 12.4%, and trade from January through August exceeded $608 billion. This trend only worsens imbalances and sharpens the debate over protective trade measures within the bloc.