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EU Leaders Clash Over Economic Competition Strategy at Informal Summit

Should Europe prioritize free trade agreements or adopt Made in Europe preferences for strategic independence?
EU Leaders Clash Over Economic Competition Strategy at Informal Summit
Above: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron on Feb. 12 in Rijkhoven, Limburg, Belgium. Image credit: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Europe must pursue ambitious free trade agreements with partners worldwide to maintain openness and competitiveness. Strategic autonomy means influence, not isolation, and buying European should only happen where possible without sacrificing industries dependent on external resources. The India trade deal demonstrates the right approach whereby open markets remain core to the European model while maintaining pragmatic realism.

Narrative B

Europe faces record trade deficits and unfair global competition demanding a "Made in Europe" preference in strategic sectors. When European public money gets spent, it must support European production and quality jobs on European soil. Economic independence requires eliminating dependencies that become weapons of coercion by stepping up domestic production in critical value chains.

Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0