French MEP Catherine Griset (Patriots for Europe) has asked the European Commission whether it will support a proposal by French AI company Mistral to introduce a 'European preference mechanism' in public procurement for strategic sectors, which would favour companies headquartered in Europe with significant local operations and revenue above €500 million. The mechanism, outlined in Mistral's 7 April 2026 white paper on AI in Europe, targets sectors such as energy, defence, semiconductors, and AI, drawing from the EU's foreign investment screening regulation. Griset's written question, submitted on 13 April 2026, also inquires whether Treaty change would be required and whether the Commission would consider piloting the mechanism in defence and aerospace.
Griset's question, filed under Rule 144 of Parliament's rules, seeks to gauge the Commission's openness to a policy that could reshape public procurement in strategic industries. The proposal aims to bolster European sovereignty by limiting access to public contracts for non-European firms, potentially impacting US and Chinese tech giants. The Commission is expected to respond within six weeks, and its answer will signal its stance on using procurement as a tool for strategic autonomy.
Policy orientation and ambition The question reflects a push for greater EU-level intervention in procurement, aligning with broader debates on economic security. Mistral's proposal would create a de facto preference for European champions, raising questions about compatibility with WTO Government Procurement Agreement rules. Griset's query on Treaty change suggests awareness of potential legal hurdles, as EU procurement law currently mandates non-discrimination. The pilot idea for defence and aerospace indicates a pragmatic, incremental approach.
Expected follow-up The Commission's reply will clarify whether it views the proposal as feasible within existing treaties or requiring reform, and whether it sees merit in sectoral experiments. This could influence future legislative initiatives on procurement and strategic autonomy.
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