UK Trade Chief Calls EU's 'Made in Europe' Plan a Waste

Jan de Vries · 2026-04-29

The European Union's ambitious "Made in Europe" plan has drawn sharp criticism from the UK's trade chief, who labeled it a "waste of energy." This isn't just political squabbling—it's a real signal that the EU's approach to boosting its own manufacturing might be missing the mark. For startups and scale-ups watching from the sidelines, this debate matters more than you think. ### What's the 'Made in Europe' Plan All About? The EU wants to reduce its reliance on foreign supply chains, especially for critical technologies like semiconductors, batteries, and green energy gear. Think of it as a massive push to bring production back home. But here's the catch: the plan relies heavily on subsidies, regulations, and preferential treatment for European companies. Critics argue this creates a closed-off market that stifles innovation rather than sparking it.  ### Why the UK Trade Chief Is Pushing Back The UK's trade chief didn't mince words. Calling the plan a "waste of energy" suggests it's not just inefficient—it's actively harmful. The argument goes like this: instead of building walls, Europe should be tearing them down. Protectionist policies can backfire, making European companies less competitive globally. For US-based professionals working with European startups, this is a red flag. If the EU locks down its market, it could mean fewer opportunities for cross-border collaboration and investment.  ### The Real Impact on Startups and Scale-ups Here's where it gets personal for anyone in the startup game. The EU's plan could create a two-tier system where homegrown companies get all the perks. That sounds good on paper, but it might actually slow down progress. Startups thrive on open markets, diverse talent pools, and global partnerships. A protectionist EU could make it harder for innovative companies to scale across borders or attract international investors. - **Access to capital:** If the EU prioritizes local players, US venture capital might flow elsewhere. - **Talent mobility:** Stricter rules could limit the flow of skilled workers between the US and Europe. - **Market access:** Non-EU startups might face higher barriers to entry, reducing competition and innovation. ### A Better Way Forward? Instead of going it alone, the EU could learn from successful models like the US startup ecosystem. The key isn't subsidies—it's creating an environment where any company, regardless of origin, can compete and grow. That means simplifying regulations, lowering taxes on innovation, and fostering genuine collaboration across borders. The UK's trade chief seems to be hinting at this: energy spent on protectionism is energy wasted. ### What This Means for You If you're a startup founder, investor, or consultant working across the Atlantic, keep an eye on this. The EU's direction will shape how you do business in Europe for years to come. For now, the smart play is to stay agile. Diversify your supply chains, build relationships with multiple markets, and don't put all your eggs in one basket—whether that's the EU, the UK, or the US. ### The Bottom Line The "Made in Europe" plan isn't dead yet, but it's facing serious pushback. The UK's criticism highlights a fundamental tension: should regions prioritize self-sufficiency or global integration? For startups, the answer is clear. Open markets, free movement of talent, and minimal red tape are what fuel growth. Let's hope Europe's leaders are listening.