European leaders reached consensus on implementing “Buy European” policies during their economic summit in Belgium’s countryside. The gathering of 27 member states addressed restoring European competitiveness against the United States and China through strategic industrial protection.
António Costa identified defense, space, clean technology, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and payment systems as sectors requiring reinforcement through European preference. The proportional and targeted approach represents a pragmatic response to unfair international competition and economic security threats.
Von der Leyen emphasized walking a “fine line” between necessary strategic protection and maintaining international trade obligations. Her commitment to robust economic analysis underpinning every proposal aims to ensure policies serve European interests without compromising the rules-based international system.
The summit addressed multiple competitiveness dimensions beyond procurement, including regulatory reduction, capital market fragmentation, and single market barriers. Von der Leyen criticized excessive national regulations, providing the example of truck weight limits varying between Belgium and France.
Draghi’s stark warning that Europe must evolve from confederation to federation influenced summit discussions. He argued that individual member state veto power on key policies creates vulnerabilities, allowing competitors to exploit divisions and prevent coordinated European responses.
