European Union leaders committed to “Buy European” policies protecting strategic industrial sectors during their summit focused on continental competitiveness. The gathering addressed Europe’s position relative to major global powers amid increasing economic volatility and political turbulence.
Costa confirmed broad agreement on protecting defense, space, clean tech, quantum, artificial intelligence, and payment systems through proportional European preference. The targeted approach balances strategic protection with maintaining the EU’s commitment to international trade rules and relationships.
Commission President von der Leyen announced comprehensive reforms including regulatory simplification, startup support through EU Inc, capital market integration, and energy cost reduction. She expressed confidence that enormous pressure could drive transformative change despite vested interests opposing reforms.
The summit revealed the Franco-German relationship’s complexities, with Macron and Merz demonstrating unity while maintaining policy differences. Macron focused on European preference in specific strategic sectors, while Merz advocated broader approaches including trading partners and aggressive deregulation.
An emerging German-Italian partnership hosted preliminary discussions with 19 member states about industrial relaunch initiatives. This flourishing relationship, including emissions trading system review discussions, has raised questions about traditional Franco-German leadership of European integration.