The European Commission aims to protect the shipbuilding industry within the European Union, ensure that strategic equipment is produced within EU borders, and strengthen local production through a new industrial package to be announced.
Prepared under the “Made in EU” approach, the package seeks to reduce external dependency in critical sectors, particularly in maritime.
According to the draft regulation under development, public procurement will be shaped not only by price, but also by criteria such as EU origin, sustainability, and supply chain security. In this way, the production of strategic maritime assets—such as ferries, research vessels, icebreakers, and tugboats—will be encouraged within EU shipyards.
Within the scope of the package, it is envisaged that the European Investment Bank and similar financial institutions will facilitate access to financing for ships and equipment produced in the EU. This aims to enhance the competitiveness of European shipyards and ensure that new orders remain within the Union.
This step is expected to mark the beginning of a new era for the European shipbuilding industry.
