European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a powerful call to action, urging the European Union to dismantle the economic obstacles that hinder its potential to become a true global powerhouse. Speaking from a sparsely attended European Parliament chamber in Strasbourg, von der Leyen launched into 48 hours of intensive high-level discussions focused on revitalising the bloc's economic framework.
A Critical Warning About Fragmentation
In her stark assessment, von der Leyen described the current European economic landscape as suffering from "fragmentation on steroids". She pointed to the complex web of differing national legal systems that create conflicting regulations and stifle growth. "We have the second largest economy in the world, but we are driving it with the handbrake on," she declared, emphasising that this situation is not irreversible but requires urgent and focused intervention.
The Commission President argued that enhancing the EU's competitiveness is about more than just economics; it is fundamentally linked to the bloc's security and the health of its democratic institutions. "Competitiveness is not just the foundation of our prosperity, but of our security, and ultimately, of our democracies too," von der Leyen stated, framing the market debate in starkly geopolitical terms.
The 'EU Inc.' Proposal for Speed and Simplicity
Central to the proposed solution is the ambitious "EU Inc." regime, a flagship initiative from the European Commission. This plan aims to radically simplify business creation and operation across member states. The proposal promises to allow entrepreneurs to register a company in any EU country within just 48 hours through a fully online process, while also providing enhanced support for cross-border activities.
"This is the speed we need, and this is Europe made easy," von der Leyen asserted, outlining a clear timeline for adoption. The Commission's goal is to secure agreement on a comprehensive action plan by March, with full implementation targeted before the end of the following year.
Diverging Views Among Member States
However, the path to consensus is expected to encounter significant resistance. A formidable anti-bureaucracy coalition is taking shape, notably led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Their competing visions for regulatory reform are likely to feature prominently in the forthcoming debates.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also entered the fray, having outlined his own perspectives on the EU's economic future just yesterday. This sets the stage for a complex negotiation period as leaders converge, beginning with an industry event in Antwerp today, followed by preparatory talks tomorrow ahead of an informal summit.
As these critical discussions on the single market unfold, separate high-level meetings are also taking place. EU defence ministers are convening in Brussels to address the ongoing situation in Ukraine, coordinating ahead of a dedicated NATO meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
