EU Leaders Accelerate Single Market Reforms, Eye Enhanced Cooperation
European Union leaders have unanimously agreed to expedite efforts to fortify the bloc's single market, with enhanced cooperation among a minimum of nine member states emerging as a viable option should broader progress falter. This decisive move was announced by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following an informal retreat in Brussels on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Urgent Push for a Unified Market
Speaking after the gathering, Costa highlighted a strong consensus among EU leaders on advancing toward the vision of "one market for one Europe." He underscored the critical urgency of this initiative, calling for tangible and concrete steps to be implemented throughout 2026 and 2027. "We all agree with the importance of moving forward quickly this year," Costa stated. "Our goal is to ensure that companies can operate seamlessly across all 27 member states under a simple and unified set of corporate rules, eliminating barriers and fostering economic growth."
Roadmap and Action Plan Unveiled
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that she will present a comprehensive "One Europe, One Market Roadmap and Action Plan" in March 2026. This document will outline specific measures and a detailed timetable for implementation, providing a clear pathway toward market integration. Von der Leyen emphasized that a fully functional single market necessitates a deep and liquid capital market. "Here we agreed that we want to be done with phase one of the Savings and Investment Union, which includes market integration, supervision, and securitization, by June," she explained, signaling a focused approach to financial reforms.
Enhanced Cooperation as a Strategic Option
If progress among all 27 member states encounters obstacles, enhanced cooperation remains a strategic fallback. Von der Leyen clarified that at least nine member states have the option to move forward more rapidly and ambitiously under this mechanism. "If not all 27 countries are ready to advance at the same pace, a smaller group can proceed under enhanced cooperation," she noted, ensuring that momentum is maintained even in the face of divergent readiness levels.
Focus on Open Trade and Diversification
In addition to market reforms, EU leaders engaged in discussions on the importance of maintaining open trade channels. They reached an agreement to prioritize diversification efforts as a means to safeguard their shared economic interests, reinforcing the bloc's resilience in a global context. This multifaceted approach underscores the EU's commitment to both internal cohesion and external competitiveness.
