Europe’s competitiveness is a central focus as leaders from the EU and major member states meet in Antwerp to chart a course, with Ursula von der Leyen and heads of France and Germany leading discussions.

Industry voices at the summit push for action on high energy prices and demand for low-carbon products, with ArcelorMittal, Heidelberg Materials, and Solvay among the participating firms.

EU lawmakers also convened at Alden Biesen castle for a strategic retreat to strengthen Europe’s economic stance against China amid broader US uncertainties.

The Draghi blueprint’s impact remains limited; the Draghi Observatory reports only about 15% full and 24% partial implementation by January, as the EU weighs financing, defence, and deregulation ideas since 2025.

EU proposals since 2025 on financing, defence, and deregulation have been guided by Draghi’s recommendations, yet actual adoption remains modest.

Policy focus centers on easier, streamlined rules to accelerate decision-making, investment, and innovation across the EU.

Von der Leyen criticizes regulatory fragmentation with 27 national financial systems and more than 300 trading venues, urging the creation of a single deep, liquid European capital market.

She emphasizes the need for a unified single market to reduce fragmentation and unlock deeper capital market integration across the EU.

The concept of enhanced cooperation would let a subset of member states deepen integration in areas like the euro, Schengen, or family law without requiring full participation.

Despite calls for deregulation, the Green Deal targets remain a priority, with a push for practical market integration and fewer cross-border barriers to ease business.

Debate continues on streamlining industrial policy, reducing red tape, and balancing deregulation with divergent member-state views on free trade and strategic investment funding.

The overarching aim is to reform regulation, boost internal market integration, and align on a coherent competitiveness strategy to fund decarbonisation and digitalisation.