German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced surprise at the intense criticism from Asian trade partners concerning new European "Made in EU" regulations for the automotive sector. Just two weeks prior, during an EU summit in Brussels, Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron reached an agreement to significantly tighten rules governing the car industry. However, this initiative has now encountered resistance in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Speaking on Friday in Seoul at the conclusion of his Asian tour, Merz admitted that the intensity of the backlash was somewhat unexpected. He noted that heads of state and government expressed significant concerns that Europe might be triggering a new wave of protectionism by shielding its markets from foreign competitors. In response to these objections, Merz stated that he has consistently argued against such interpretations and attempted to allay these fears during his meetings.
Emphasizing the necessity of maintaining an open market, the Chancellor stressed that competition must remain intact. He argued that only through openness can German companies continue to successfully sell their products in Asian markets. Merz announced his intention to bring this feedback back to Brussels, confirming he will address these serious concerns at the next European Council meeting. He affirmed that he takes the objections seriously and intends to carry them forward in future discussions.
Sources: Handelsblatt.