Informal leaders' retreat: New momentum for European competitiveness?

Описание: Post-Summit Briefing & EPC Update
16 February 2026

Speakers: Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Studies, European Policy Centre; Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive & Chief Economist, European Policy Centre

Moderator: Jacki Davis, Senior Adviser, European Policy Centre

On 12 February 2026, EU leaders convened for an informal retreat focused on Europe’s competitiveness, with discussions centred on how to strengthen the Single Market and reinforce the continent’s economy amid rapid technological transformation, intensifying geopolitical competition and deepening geoeconomic fragmentation.

Taking place after the leaders’ retreat, the event assessed what these discussions may signal for the Union’s economic reform agenda ahead of the March European Council meeting, where formal decisions will have to be taken. Can leaders translate long-standing strategic objectives into concrete measures to advance the Union’s economic reform agenda – including the systemic reforms proposed in the reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, who will participate in the retreat? Will they be able to agree on how to progress towards completing the Single Market and advancing a genuine Savings and Investment Union?

To what extent will a more hard-headed assessment of transatlantic relations push leaders towards greater ambition, including steps to meaningfully enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and adopt a more assertive approach to economic security? Or will they shy away from the economically and politically costly reforms required at both European and national level, with the retreat once again exposing persistent divisions among the EU27? And how likely is it that the informal discussions will lead to concrete decisions at the EU summit in March?