As the EU competition summit approaches, concerns are rising over the contrasting strategies of Germany and France in addressing economic challenges faced by the EU. Both nations agree on the need for the European Union to strengthen economically if it hopes to maintain relevance against global powers like China and the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the urgency, warning that without timely actions, Europe risks being left behind in the international arena within the next five years.

The article notes that the EU has hesitated for too long regarding its competitiveness. Previous analyses by figures like former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta have highlighted persistent barriers within the EU's internal market, and months later, Mario Draghi's report also addressed these issues. Despite acknowledging these obstacles, concrete actions remain elusive, putting additional pressure on EU member states to deliver tangible results before upcoming elections in Spain, Italy, Poland, and France next year.

In this context, the summit serves as a critical opportunity for Germany and France to converge on their plans and address internal competition issues, thereby reinforcing the EU's economic stance. The differing approaches could complicate the EU’s efforts to emerge as a cohesive force capable of meeting the challenges posed by external competitors. The outcome of this summit could set the tone for Europe's economic trajectory and its ability to act decisively on behalf of its member states in the near future.