Leaders from the 27 EU member states, including Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, convened for an informal summit at Alden Biesen Castle in eastern Belgium. The primary focus of the gathering is to seek ways to enhance the EU single market and bolster the bloc's competitiveness amid concerns about falling behind global economic rivals, specifically the United States. Discussions aim to identify concrete steps to bridge the economic gap and address weaknesses in productivity and innovation, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Plenković emphasized the significance of competitiveness as a central political issue this year. He reiterated the necessity for consensus on specific measures to enhance the EU's economic position over the next one to two years. The completion of the EU's single market and the reduction of administrative barriers have also been highlighted as crucial steps to facilitate business operations within the union. Plenković's remarks suggest a strategic objective to better prepare the Croatian economy in the context of broader EU discussions.

The summit is seen as a critical opportunity for EU leaders to collaborate and formulate an actionable plan to address pressing economic challenges. With the EU increasingly acknowledging its weaknesses in vital sectors, the outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the bloc's future direction and its ability to compete on a global scale. The implications of these talks extend beyond immediate economic concerns, potentially shaping the EU's long-term policy framework and cohesion as it navigates the global economic landscape.