Finance Minister John Healey is seeking to negotiate the United Kingdom's entry into the EU's 'Made in Europe' industrial programme, the BBC has reported.
The Chancellor wants the manufacturing partnership to deepen ties with the UK rather than erecting new trade barriers. The reported move comes as the EU considers tighter restrictions on strategic industrial funding.
The 'Made in Europe' programme is a manufacturing partnership that had launched 88 projects as of July 2026. Members of the programme implemented a total investment of €9.4 billion in 2024.
The request follows a proposal by the European Commission for an 'Industrial Accelerator Act'. This legislation would restrict public funds to European firms in strategic sectors, including green technology, steel and automobiles. Under the proposed act, foreign firms would be required to partner with EU companies to access support.
This industrial bid is separate from the UK's existing negotiations to join the 'Security Action for Europe' (SAFE) loans-for-arms programme. The SAFE initiative is a €150 billion defence fund, and the European Commission began talks with the UK and Canada regarding the scheme in September 2025.
Mr Healey was appointed Finance Minister in July 2026 following the resignation of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. He previously served as Defence Minister.
Neither HM Treasury nor the European Commission has confirmed the request to join the industrial scheme.
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