Brussels, Belgium – Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa participated in an informal European Council meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2026, focused on bolstering the European Union’s economic competitiveness. The meeting, convened by European Council President António Costa, brought together EU leaders to address challenges posed by the current geopolitical and economic landscape.
Discussions centered on strategies to enhance competitiveness, strengthen the single market, and reduce economic dependencies, particularly in critical raw materials and technologies. According to reports, the leaders likewise heard from Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank, and Enrico Letta, a former Italian Prime Minister, who authored reports on the future of European competitiveness.
The meeting addressed unfair competition practices and explored ways to deepen the single market and improve the business environment within the EU. This comes as European leaders increasingly focus on securing the bloc’s economic future amid global uncertainties.
“One Europe, one market. This really was the name of this discussion, and this is our goal, which is expected to be achieved by the end of 2027,” European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a joint release following the meeting. They emphasized the importance of a comprehensive discussion on competitiveness and announced plans to present a roadmap and action plan, dubbed “One Europe, One Market,” in March.
The proposed plan includes five key elements: reducing administrative burdens, establishing a fully functioning single market, expanding trade, and accelerating digitalization. Von der Leyen and Costa underscored the priority of strengthening economic growth in Europe to ensure prosperity, job creation, and the sustainability of the EU’s economic and social model.
The Latvian Prime Minister’s participation in the summit underscores the importance Latvia places on contributing to the EU’s economic strategy. The move highlights the growing concern among European nations to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy.
