The leaders of the European Union are convening at the informal summit at Alden Biesen castle to discuss enhancing European competitiveness against global pressures.
On February 12, the leaders of the European Union, referred to as the '27', are meeting at the Alden Biesen castle in Belgium amid geopolitical pressures and rising international competition. The summit aims to strengthen the Single Market and to formulate a new economic strategy that ensures European sovereignty in the face of competition from the US and China. The key points of discussion will revolve around the urgency to fortify the Single Market to maintain the EU's competitive edge globally.
EU Council President Antonio Costa has emphasized that enhancing the Single Market is an 'urgent strategic imperative'. While the summit is expected not to 'reinvent the wheel', it serves as a platform to accelerate ongoing initiatives focused on deregulation, simplifying regulatory frameworks, and reducing strategic dependencies on non-EU countries. This approach is seen as crucial to solidifying the EU's independence and economic strength in an increasingly polarized global landscape.
Notably, former Italian Prime Ministers Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta are present at the summit, indicating the importance of experienced leadership in these discussions. Their participation underscores a collective effort among EU leaders to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and develop cohesive strategies for long-term economic resilience. Overall, the summit is set to address critical challenges facing the EU and aims to bolster its global competitiveness and unity in uncertain times.
