Buy European - this is how the EU wants to change industry

Wednesday's plan is described as a historic change where the EU begins to act more like the US and China to protect its own industry.

Tougher requirements are being placed on procurement and public support to benefit manufacturing and jobs in the EU, particularly in heavy industries such as steel, cement, aluminum, car parts and green technology.

However, the proposals are controversial and have been postponed and revised several times. Sweden, in particular, has been skeptical.

"This proposal must not exclude Volvo from Europe," warns Member of the European Parliament Sofie Eriksson (S) via text message.

"This is not the primary solution to Europe's competitiveness problems," said Minister of Energy and Industry Ebba Busch (KD) last week.