
Merz Concedes Asian Nations Fear EU Auto Protectionism Amid 'Made in Europe' Dispute
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted he was surprised by the intensity of opposition from East Asian nations regarding a Franco-German proposal to restrict EU car subsidies to vehicles produced within the bloc. While Merz pledged to address these concerns at the upcoming EU summit in Dublin, Japanese and South Korean leaders argue the rules constitute protectionism that unfairly excludes their manufacturers from public procurement and incentives.

