Re-shoring and friend-shoring in the EU: a constitutional political economy perspective
Re-shoring and friend-shoring in the EU: a constitutional political economy perspective

Summary/Abstract: The article examines the EU’s recent shift toward re-shoring and friend-shoring through the lens of constitutional political economy and public choice theory. These strategies are linked to global disruptions such as COVID-19, the energy crisis, and U.S.–China rivalry. By analysing initiatives like the European Chips Act, Critical Raw Materials Act, and Net-Zero Industry Act, it is argued they signal constitutional change by loosening limits on state intervention. The study highlights risks of rent-seeking, market fragmentation, and new dependencies. It is assumed that without transparent, rule-based frameworks, such policies may erode EU integration and further deepen inequalities.

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