Under the pressure of geopolitical realignments and intensifying international competition, the “27” leaders of the European Union are meeting today, February 12, at the informal Summit at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium. At the heart of the agenda is the armoring of the Single Market and the drawing up of a new economic strategy that will ensure European dominance vis-à-vis the US and China.
The “requirement” of strategic autonomy
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, marked the talks, describing the strengthening of the Single Market as an “urgent strategic imperative”. The Summit is not expected to “reinvent the wheel”, but to act as an accelerator of existing initiatives for deregulation, the simplification of regulatory frameworks and the reduction of strategic dependencies on third countries.
Particular weight is given to the presence of Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta. Italy’s two former prime ministers are expected to set out their vision for overcoming the bureaucratic inflexibility that has bogged down the European economy, building on their landmark reports in 2024.
The “multi-speed” dilemma
One of the most critical parameters of today’s meeting is the prospect of “enhanced partnerships”. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a letter to leaders, made it clear that if a lack of unanimity undermines the Union’s competitiveness, the EU will not hesitate to move forward with countries that want greater speed of action.
This position was challenged by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, who issued an ultimatum from Antwerp: if the reforms are not approved by the end of June, the “willing” will have to proceed independently.
“European preference” and common borrowing
The debate now also takes on protective characteristics, with Mrs. von der Leyen recommending the adoption of the “European preference”. The proposal envisages that companies receiving public funds will commit to sourcing technological equipment from European industries.
At the same time, Paris is strongly bringing back the proposal for common European borrowing. Mr Macron argues that issuing Eurobonds is the only viable solution to finance colossal investment in defence, artificial intelligence and the green transition.
The reservations and the “mini-synod” of the 12
Despite the convergence on the goals, the means of achieving them cause tremors. Traditional disagreements between member states remain active, with Germany, Italy and Belgium appearing wary of measures that could disrupt international trade.
Indicative of the internal processes was the “mini summit” held early in the morning at the initiative of the three aforementioned countries. The meeting was attended by 12 leaders, including the Greek Prime Minister. In their joint memorandum, these countries distance themselves from the “European preference”, calling for any restrictive measures to be “exceptional in nature and proportionate”, ensuring that the EU remains faithful to its international trade commitments.
