Merz ‘surprised’ by Asian pushback to ‘Made in Europe’ plan for car industry

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed surprise at the strong opposition from East Asian nations regarding the EU's proposed "Made in Europe" regulations for the automotive sector. The plan, which he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed upon, aims to limit car subsidies to vehicles manufactured within the EU, Switzerland, and the U.K. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung requested Merz's support for Korea to receive treatment similar to EU member states, a sentiment echoed by Japan.