All eyes were on competitiveness this week, as leaders, industry representatives and policymakers united to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.
Commission President von der Leyen has presented the collective efforts and next steps needed to boost Europe's competitiveness during various events this week, in particular the Parliament Plenary session, the Antwerp European Industry Summit, and later during discussions with leaders at their informal retreat in Alden Biesen, Belgium.
During her speech at the European Parliament, the President stressed the sense of urgency and reminded the audience that "competitiveness is not just the foundation of our prosperity but of our security, and ultimately of our democracies too".
She called on the Parliament and Member States to act with speed and resolve, notably by speeding up simplification efforts and adopting the seven remaining omnibus proposals the Commission put forward.
"We have the second-largest economy in the world, but we are driving it with the handbrake on" the President underlined, recalling that "interstate barriers in our Union are three times higher than interstate barriers in the US".
She called for a joint effort involving all stakeholders to undertake "a deep regulatory housecleaning" at all levels. This means in particular harmonising rules within the Single Market and avoiding unnecessary gold-plating at national level, which creates internal barriers.
"A truck in Belgium can weigh up to 44 tonnes. But if you cross the border with France, it can only carry up to 40 tonnes", the President added to illustrate that much work remains to be done to achieve a truly seamless Single Market.
At the Antwerp European Industry Summit, the President reiterated her call to step up efforts as global pressure mounts, leading to factory closures, job losses and growing vulnerability to overdependencies. "Whenever I hear about an investment leaving Europe, or about a factory at risk of closing, my first thought goes to the workers and families, who might lose a vital source of income. But I also think what this means for Europe as a whole", the President stressed.
This is why competitiveness has been at the top of the Commission's agenda from day one. To strengthen Europe's business case, we have more than doubled investment in industrial transitions – from EUR 52 billion in 2024 to EUR 115 billion in 2025 – while also simplifying our rules; opened access to new markets for exports through the conclusion of five new trade agreements since last year – including with major partners such as Mercosur and India.
"And more is on its way", the President said: as part of our simplification efforts, the proposed 28th regime, EU Inc, will allow businesses to flourish in Europe by enabling for entrepreneurs to register a company in any Member State within 48 hours, fully online. In addition, we are speeding up permitting and cutting red tape.
We also aim to unlock the potential of our capital markets and expect the Savings and Investment Union to mobilise up to EUR 470 billion in additional investment.
The upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act and new public procurement rules will drive demand for European clean products and create lead markets for EU-made goods.
To support these efforts and help reduce costs for European industry, President von der Leyen also recalled the importance of affordable and reliable energy. She stressed the importance of accelerating the clean transition, which is backed by clear data: in 2025, the average gas price in Europe was EUR 100 per MWh, compared to just EUR 34 per MWh for renewables and between EUR 50 and EUR 60 per MWh for nuclear energy – a clear evidence that decarbonation and competitiveness go hand in hand.
Leaders shared the urgency and ambition to speed up work on Europe's competitiveness at their informal retreat at Alden Biesen. "One Europe, One Market. This was indeed the headline of the discussion, and this is our ambition. One Europe, One Market. We want to be there at the end of 2027", President von der Leyen said when talking to the press after the meeting.
She emphasised that there was an "excellent discussion" with the leaders, adding that the Commission will present a One Europe, One Market Roadmap for the 2026 March European Council.
To that end, she highlighted several building blocks, in particular reducing administrative burdens; completing the Single Market through a 28th regime and the Savings and Investment Union; building a genuine Energy Union through the Grids Package and the European Energy Highways; strengthening our digital agenda with the Digital Networks Act and a tech sovereignty package supporting AI, cloud computing and semiconductors. Additionally, leaders also agreed on the need to swiftly implement the newly concluded trade agreements.
Delivering on competitiveness will require unity, speed of delivery and determination by all actors – "we need everyone in our Union" to move forward. "This is how we make Europe move faster – and this is how we make Europe stronger", the President emphasised.
