Today's gathering of European Union leaders at a water castle near Liège marks a crucial moment for discussions centered on industrial policy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized to the heads of state that past methods cannot continue, urging for significant advancements in the sector. However, as highlighted by our Brussels correspondent Jan Diesteldorf, there has been a history of ambitious plans from the EU with little to show for it. This leads to a pertinent question: Will this summit bring about tangible changes, or will history repeat itself?

Meanwhile, shortly after a public transportation strike concluded, Lufthansa's pilots and cabin crew have announced their own walkout, expected to severely disrupt travel plans on Thursday. The pilots cite concerns over pension arrangements and working conditions as the official reasons for their strike. However, SZ editor Jens Flottau speculates that there may be underlying factors influencing their decision to strike, suggesting a deeper discontent within the airline's workforce. This action by Lufthansa's employees adds to the rising tension in the labor market amidst ongoing negotiations that affect workers across various industries.

These concurrent events underscore the challenges facing the EU in addressing both economic and labor-related issues. As leaders discuss industrial revitalization, the noticeable action taken by Lufthansa's staff reflects a wider dissatisfaction among workers throughout Europe, highlighting the urgent need for reform not just in corporate policies but also in labor relations. Observers will be closely watching to see how these discussions unfold and what immediate actions will be taken in the wake of the pilots' strike.