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EU Leaders Launch Informal Group to Boost Competitiveness

Published February 12, 2026, 14:01
EU Leaders Launch Informal Group to Boost Competitiveness

On the sidelines of the EU Informal Summit, Italy, Germany, and Belgium hosted the inaugural meeting of a new informal working group dedicated to enhancing European competitiveness. The meeting included a total of 19 EU member states, including Greece, as well as representatives from the European Commission. Discussions focused on three key priorities: completing the Single Market, regulatory simplification and reducing energy costs, and developing a more ambitious trade policy. A document jointly prepared by the three countries proposes the withdrawal of outdated or ineffective European legislative proposals and the establishment of a "brake" mechanism to prevent the imposition of excessive administrative costs on businesses. Furthermore, it suggests leveraging private capital, creating a pan-European stock exchange, and revising capital requirements for business financing, while maintaining financial stability. Particular emphasis was placed on revitalizing European industry, with a focus on revising emissions taxation mechanisms such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Leaders also underscored the importance of the swift and faithful implementation of policy priorities set by the European Council. The working group committed to continuing coordination on the sidelines of the March European Council, aiming to keep competitiveness at the top of the European agenda and establish specific goals and timelines for the EU.

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