EU leaders gather at Alden Biesen to debate how to revive competitiveness, from capital markets to energy prices. Tensions over protectionism versus open markets and the idea of a two-speed Europe come under scrutiny. A legal showdown over Hungary’s frozen funds and its political fallout looms. Plus, a lighthearted look at why leaders pick castles and listener karaoke shoutouts.
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insights INSIGHT
Competitiveness Requires Shared Deep Reforms
EU leaders at Alden Biesen see competitiveness as a team sport requiring shared reforms across capitals.
Completing the capital markets union and banking union are framed as necessary, difficult next steps to revive growth.
insights INSIGHT
Easy Fixes Are Exhausted — Time For Shock Therapy
Officials worry easy fixes are done and now need 'electric shock therapy' for the economy.
Unlocking savings and building larger European capital markets are seen as central levers.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Multi-Speed Formats To Break Deadlocks
If unanimity stalls progress, pursue multi-speed initiatives with willing member states.
Let others join later once measures prove effective and politically palatable.
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EU leaders gather at Alden Biesen castle to debate how to revive Europe’s economy — and whether “strategic autonomy” can survive internal divisions. POLITICO's Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by policy editor Sarah Wheaton to unpack the competitiveness retreat.
Plus: The Hungary funds case nears a turning point in Luxembourg, as the Court of Justice of the European Union issues a key opinion in the Parliament’s lawsuit against the Commission — with political stakes ahead of Hungary’s April parliamentary election.
And finally: Why are EU leaders so fond of castles? Zoya and Sarah also share listeners’ karaoke picks sent to our WhatsApp number: +32 491 05 06 29
With Valentine’s Day approaching, send us a shoutout to your loved one — or maybe a missed connection. That person you exchanged a glance with in the Berlaymont lift. The policy wonk you queued behind for coffee at Schuman. The brunette who walked into the Commission building before you could say hello. Send us a voice note — we might help Brussels’ most bureaucratic love stories find a happy landing.
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