Q: Recently, the European Commission released its proposal for the Public Procurement Act, which includes provisions such as “European preference” that restrict third countries that have not joined the Agreement on Government Procurement or signed relevant free trade agreements with the EU from participating in EU public procurement. Enterprises from third countries such as China may be affected. What is China’s comment on this? (MOFCOM Regular Press Conference September 17, 2026)

MOFCOM BJT

A: China has noted that the European Commission released its proposed for the Public Procurement Act. The Act includes “European preference” provisions and also requires that non-market factors such as security be incorporated into the evaluation criteria, excluding or restricting unqualified third-country enterprises. China is deeply concerned about this.

Since the beginning of this year, the EU has successively introduced the amendment to the Cybersecurity Act, along with the Industrial Accelerator Act and the Public Procurement Act. Under the pretext of cybersecurity and industrial development, the EU is in fact pursuing protectionism by frequently setting discriminatory provisions, and continuously tightening market access conditions. China urges the EU to abide by WTO rules, keep its market open, revise the discriminatory provisions in the Act, and create a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for enterprises investing and operating in Europe. China will closely follow the EU’s legislative process and assess the relevant impact in a timely manner.