European leaders are intensifying efforts to bolster the continent’s economic competitiveness, convening a series of meetings this week aimed at addressing concerns about falling behind the United States and China. The push comes as policymakers grapple with how to balance industrial policy with the need for sustainable growth.
On , an informal retreat of EU leaders will be held at Alden Biesen castle in Belgium, focusing on strengthening the single market in a new geoeconomic context. This follows a pre-summit meeting convened by the leaders of Belgium, Italy, and Germany – Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, respectively – with a dozen like-minded counterparts. The discussions will center on deregulation, expanding the single market, and prioritizing free trade, according to an EU diplomat.
The joint initiative by Italy, Germany, and Belgium builds on a position paper published last month by Meloni and Merz, intended to stimulate debate at this week’s gatherings. Berlin and Rome have recently positioned themselves as the “two main industrial European nations,” seeking to drive a renewed focus on competitiveness. Leaders from Eastern and Northern European states, as well as representatives from the European Commission, are expected to participate. France has been invited but has yet to confirm its attendance.
This coordinated effort reflects a broader trend of like-minded countries attempting to shape the EU’s agenda. Just last week, finance ministers from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland announced the formation of a “Big Six” group to pressure the Commission into action on competitiveness and economic growth. This suggests a growing frustration with the pace of change and a desire for more assertive leadership on economic policy.
A key component of the EU’s strategy is the Clean Industrial Deal, presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on . This initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s industrial base while simultaneously advancing sustainability. The deal responds directly to the Antwerp Declaration, a call signed by over 1,300 organizations across 25 sectors, urging the EU to secure a competitive and resilient future for European industry and its workers.
The Antwerp Declaration highlights the critical role of industrial minerals – essential, responsibly sourced materials produced within the EU – in supporting key industries such as construction, glass, ceramics, batteries, and environmental protection. Without these minerals, the EU’s ambitions for clean energy, digital innovation, and sustainable mobility would be significantly hampered.
The Clean Industrial Deal focuses on several key areas, including affordable energy – lowering industrial energy costs through the Affordable Energy Action Plan – and financing the clean transition, with a commitment to mobilize €100 billion to support clean manufacturing and industrial decarbonization, including the creation of an Industrial Decarbonization Bank. These measures address nine out of ten of the key demands outlined in the Antwerp Declaration.
However, the path forward is not without challenges. Concerns are rising that Europe risks falling behind in the global economic race, particularly in comparison to the United States and China. Some observers suggest that a more radical approach – potentially involving a tiered system within the EU – may be necessary to accelerate progress. The idea of an “EU with different speeds” is reportedly back on the table, reflecting a growing sense of urgency.
The situation is already impacting local communities. In Limburg, Belgium, preparations are underway for the EU summit, with some businesses temporarily closing to accommodate security measures and logistical challenges. Restaurants are bracing for disruption, acknowledging that they will be largely inaccessible during the event. This illustrates the practical consequences of these high-level discussions for businesses and citizens on the ground.
The success of these initiatives will depend on the ability of EU leaders to forge a consensus on key priorities and to translate ambitious goals into concrete policies. The meetings this week represent a crucial opportunity to chart a course for a more competitive and sustainable European economy, but the clock is ticking, with some observers warning that “This proves five past twelve” – a sentiment reflecting the urgency of the situation.
