ALBAWABA- European leaders warned on Wednesday that the continent faces economic stagnation and strategic marginalization unless urgent reforms are implemented to boost growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the European Industrial Summit in Antwerp, called for streamlining regulations, deepening the single market, and prioritizing “Made in Europe” initiatives to secure supply chains.
He urged massive joint investments in emerging sectors such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, green technologies, and defense, stressing that without decisive action, Europe risks becoming a “mere adjustment market” for global rivals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Macron’s call for regulatory simplification to compete with the US and China.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sounded a similar alarm ahead of the Munich Security Conference, warning that Europe stands “on the brink of the abyss” if growth and innovation are not accelerated.
He criticized bureaucratic delays, highlighting China’s rapid infrastructure development and Europe’s years-long permitting processes, noting that Europe’s average growth over the past two decades has lagged behind China’s 8% and the US’s 2%. Merz urged “bold decisions” to prevent permanent losses in technology and labor markets.
The warnings come amid rising concerns over US tariffs, Chinese subsidies, and export restrictions on critical minerals. EU growth has lagged since the 2008 financial crisis, and productivity and AI adoption gaps are widening.
Leaders are set to convene in a Belgian castle on February 12 to discuss eurobond funding, trade diversification, and other measures aimed at reinforcing Europe’s global position.
