The European Union is currently facing significant internal divisions regarding its future approach to enhancing competitiveness on the global stage. Prior to a critical crisis meeting, various top leaders gathered for a private session to address these concerns. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reported that the gathering included like-minded countries and emphasized the need for ongoing discussions before the upcoming summit in March where broader EU strategies will be deliberated.

Among the leaders present were key figures such as Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France's President Emmanuel Macron, and Belgium's Prime Minister Lilliane De Wever. This meeting underscored the urgency felt by these leaders as they navigate the EU's position in the face of economic competition from China and the USA. Meloni's office highlighted the necessity for this separate assembly, indicating a proactive effort to align strategies among nations that share similar viewpoints on EU policies.

The forthcoming informal summit is expected to tackle pressing issues like the revision of the EU's carbon credit system, as mentioned by Germany's Chancellor Merz. The involvement of top economists in this summit points to a strategic move to enhance the EU's economic standing and tackle the challenge of lagging behind global competitors. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial not just for immediate economic strategies but also for the longer-term cohesion and direction of the EU as a unified bloc.