Economy Minister Peter Altmaier’s proposal would give the government the power to intervene any time a non-EU investor tried to buy 10 per cent or more of a domestic firm in sectors including robotics, AI and quantum technology. (Financial Times)

Talking point: Altmaier had previously proposed creating a state investment fund to prevent foreign takeovers, but reaction from the country’s business community was so negative he’s scaled back the plan to the version unveiled Friday, saying it is intended to be used only as a “last resort.” Europe’s biggest economy thanks to its robust manufacturing base, Germany is increasingly preoccupied with the emergence of the platform economy and the growing economic might of Beijing—especially after China’s Midea Group bought German robotics firm Kuka in 2016. “We don’t want protectionism,” said Altmaier, “but we also want to avoid a clearance sale.”