Ankara: European automakers have called on the EU to ensure that planned 'Made in EU' rules under the Industrial Accelerator Act do not undermine existing investments by European manufacturers in Trkiye and Morocco.

According to Anadolu Agency, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has expressed its support for the EU's efforts to strengthen Europe's industrial base and reduce dependence on third countries in strategic sectors. However, the ACEA has raised concerns that the proposal, in its current form, could disrupt established value chains and strand investments made under the existing regulatory framework.

ACEA has acknowledged that a preference for production within the EU's 27 member states is legitimate, but it emphasizes that such changes should be introduced gradually and include targeted exemptions. The association stated that the Industrial Accelerator Act's policy toolkit should consider ACEA members' existing operations in the closely integrated neighborhood of Trkiye and Morocco, stressing that investments made in good faith should not become obsolete.

Furthermore, the group has urged that European content be calculated at the level of the completed vehicle rather than individual components. They argue that research and development, advanced engineering, and skilled labor also contribute significant value to the automotive sector.

ACEA also highlighted the importance of treating the UK as an equal partner within the 'Made in EU' framework, given the deep integration of Europe's automotive supply chains. The association insists that the proposed act should be supported by effective incentives, realistic localization timelines, and simpler reporting rules to avoid increasing production costs without enhancing the appeal of manufacturing in Europe.