Economic policy • Table.Briefings

February 23rd, 2026

Buy European: Brussels’ IAA draft law delayed

The draft law is now set to be presented on March 4. The additional week of internal discussions is intended to make the proposal “more robust,” officials said.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

António Costa und Ursula von der Leyen in Alden Biesen

Talk of the Town | Economic policy

February 13th, 2026

EU summit: Heads of government give priority to 28th regime and capital markets union

Despite disagreements in the run-up to the informal meeting, the heads of state and government were optimistic. The member states expect to see concrete progress on the integration of the capital markets, the 28th regime and the electricity market.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Feature | EU summit

February 12th, 2026

Single market: How Costa and von der Leyen aim to overcome national resistance

The President of the European Council wants to draw heads of state and government away from their traditional positions through an open discussion format. The goal is to set concrete deadlines for key dossiers related to further integration of the single market.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Ursula von der Leyen und Emmanuel Macron

Talk of the Town | EU internal market

February 10th, 2026

Competitiveness: Von der Leyen stands by calls for European preference criteria

In a letter to European Union leaders ahead of this week’s informal retreat, Ursula von der Leyen calls for independence to form a key part of the bloc’s competitiveness drive. She also proposes the negotiation of a single market roadmap with Parliament and the Council by March.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Talk of the Town | Industrial policy

February 5th, 2026

Made in Europe: Industries split over preference criteria

European Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné’s plans to introduce European preference criteria are dividing the business community. Umbrella organizations in Germany and across Europe are struggling to agree on a common position.

By Till Hoppe, Markus Grabitz and János Allenbach-Ammann

Stéphane Séjourné in einem Flugzeug mit Vertretern von Airbus

Feature | Lobbying

February 4th, 2026

Lobby contacts: Second VDL Commission has more frequent meetings with companies

The second Von der Leyen Commission’s focus on competitiveness is reflected in its more intensive contact with company representatives. Meetings with US companies are predominant.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Stéphane Séjourné at the podium, during a press conference on the Clean Industrial Deal Implementation package

Talk of the Town | EU internal market

January 30th, 2026

Competitiveness: EU Commission sounds the alarm in Single Market Report

The EU is on track to achieve its competitiveness targets for only a few key figures. This is according to a draft of the Single Market Report, which is to be presented on Friday.

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Talk of the Town | Economic policy

January 21st, 2026

China Commission: Why the experts must act quickly

Germany’s expert commission on economic dependencies on China is expected to convene for the first time in February. A good idea – and long overdue.

By Angela Köckritz

News | Vietnam

January 19th, 2026

Vietnam: Party General Secretary Lâm plans another term

At the 14th Party Congress, the future balance of power within the Communist Party of Vietnam will be decided. Incumbent General Secretary Tô Lâm is seeking to further consolidate his authority. An ambitious economic plan is also expected to be adopted.

By Yi Ling Pan

Flaggen der Volksrepbulik China, Europäischen Union und Bundesrepublik Deutschland bei einem Pressetermin im Auswärtigen Amt.

News | Investments

January 11th, 2026

Parliamentary inquiry: EUR 225 billion in industrial subsidies

The German government stresses the importance of strengthening Germany’s industrial resilience. Progress, however, has been slow.

By Ning Wang