The heads of government and state of the 27 EU countries exchanged informal views in a Belgian chĆ¢teau about the interconnection of numerous issues that EU politicians must resolve in the short term. These decisions could involve unorthodox and painful choices, as can be inferred from commentaries and reactions.
The debate about a European preferential treatment, often referred to as āMade in Europe,ā was a recurring theme during the discussions. Central to this was the question of whether European companies should be given preferential status in public procurement or investments.
The way decisions are prepared and made in the EU is largely the same as it was about 15 years ago, when the EU consisted of around 12 to 16 countries. Discussions about adjustments have been ongoing for many years, especially after the ādepartureā of the British from the EU, but true āmodernizationā has yet to occur.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Parliament President Roberta Metsola openly stated that EU decision-making may need to shift to a two-speed process. For many decisions, unanimity would no longer be required, and āblockersā would no longer be able to delay or obstruct everything.
The informal talks did yield some rapprochement between the course of French President Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In recent days, it seemed they sharply differed on how much the EU should be strengthened as a European entity.
They also now appear to be more in agreement on the introduction of eurobondsājoint borrowing and debt issuanceāeven if some (smaller) EU countries disagree.
There seems to be room for a targeted approach. Instead of broad protection for all economic sectors, there is talk of support for specific strategic sectors that are particularly vulnerable.
The heads of government expect further concretization during a formal summit in March. At that time, it should become clearer which sectors will be prioritized and which instruments will be deployed to strengthen the European Unionās economic position.