European Union leaders convened Thursday at Alden Biesen castle in Belgium for a meeting focused on bolstering the bloc’s competitiveness, as concerns mount over economic challenges and geopolitical threats.
The gathering, described as a “reflektionsmöte” or reflection meeting, was initiated by Portuguese Council President António Costa, and brings together heads of state and government to address how the EU can strengthen its position in a volatile global landscape. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking to media following a meeting of the EU Council in the Swedish parliament, highlighted the importance of the discussions.
“Among the major issues are free trade agreements, the simplification agenda, and energy issues,” Kristersson stated. “We require more trade, more investment in European companies, and less complicated regulations.”
Discussions at the 15th-century castle centered on strategies to enhance the EU’s internal market and reduce reliance on other major global powers. Former President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, presented a report on competitiveness to the leaders, informing the debate.
Costa emphasized the need to strengthen the EU’s internal market and decrease dependence on external powers, according to reports. The meeting took place against a backdrop of increasing global instability and assertive actions from various international actors, prompting a renewed focus on the EU’s economic resilience and strategic autonomy.
The meeting’s agenda also aligns with broader discussions about the EU’s security posture, as evidenced by parallel efforts to strengthen the union’s defense capabilities and finalize fresh asylum regulations. These developments were noted in a report from Altinget.se, which highlighted the concurrent focus on both economic competitiveness and security concerns within the EU framework.
As of February 10, 2026, the outcome of the meeting remains undisclosed, with no immediate statements released regarding specific agreements or commitments. The European Parliament is currently in session in Strasbourg, further contributing to a week of intensive deliberations on the EU’s future direction.
