We are fighting for a place in the new global economy," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told industry chiefs Wednesday. Macron also renewed a call for joint EU debt -- a divisive idea among European capitals -- as the "only way" to compete with China and the United States. The European Commission president will be promoting a host of solutions at Thursday's talks -- including a French-backed "Buy European" push, "simplifying" EU rules and striking more deals to diversify trading partners. Draghi's report will not be the only report leaders will be leaning on. Von der Leyen backed the call for public buyers to favour European firms, and said the EU executive would propose a law on European preference this month.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 12, 2026 08:43 UTC