Ahead of the EU summit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive together at the meeting in Alden Biesen, Belgium, signaling a united stance. This comes at a time when the two leaders have rarely seen eye to eye, highlighting the tension in their respective economic strategies. Macron advocates for EU debt and protective "Made in EU" rules for domestic industries, while Merz focuses on reducing bureaucracy and enhancing trade. The lack of a conventional joint German-French position paper underscores the depth of their disagreements this time around.

In a strategic move, Chancellor Merz aligns himself with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to gather support from like-minded leaders ahead of the summit. This informal meeting emphasizes the trio’s focus on reducing red tape, reinforcing the internal market, and fostering trade relations. By collaborating with leaders who share similar views, Merz aims to strengthen the position of countries advocating for less regulation and greater economic integration against Macron's more protectionist tendencies.

The upcoming summit, thus, holds significant implications for the future of the EU’s economic policy. The clash of perspectives between the traditional Franco-German axis and a coalition advocating for deregulation and open trade could shape the EU's approach to internal market governance. As these discussions unfold, the outcome may either lead to a compromise that advances economic power or exacerbate existing divisions among member states, impacting the EU's competitiveness on the global stage.