The recent informal summit of European Union leaders took place at Alden Biesen castle in Belgium, where discussions largely revolved around the urgency of enhancing competitiveness within the EU and reinforcing the principles of the Single Market. Leaders expressed a collective commitment to revitalizing the social market economy in Europe, emphasizing how crucial this is for the region's future growth and sustainability.

António Costa, the head of the EU Council, acknowledged the contributions of key figures such as former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, highlighting their insights on competitiveness across various sectors including energy and capital markets. His remarks were aimed at fostering dialogue on improving competitiveness within the EU's economic framework, suggesting a collaborative approach to tackling various challenges in the coming years.

Costa’s assurance that Europe will deliver on its promise of increased competitiveness by 2026 resonates well with the leaders' commitment to addressing previous challenges, particularly in defense. This summit not only stresses the importance of economic dynamism but also aims to unify EU member states in their efforts towards a more competitive and integrated European market, projecting a collaborative future for the region.