00:00European Union leaders are gathering in Belgium for a high-stakes strategy meeting as the bloc
00:06faces a US trade war, China export kerbs and weaker economic growth compared to the two
00:11global superpowers. The informal summit hosted by Council President Antonio Costa will focus
00:17on boosting the EU's competitiveness. Leaders are discussing ways to complete the
00:23fragmented single market and diversify trade partnerships to reduce dependence on external
00:28powers. The bloc has struggled with slower growth, lower productivity and lagging innovation,
00:34particularly in artificial intelligence, while also needing investment to strengthen defense
00:39against Russia. Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi's 2024 competitiveness report is
00:45central to the discussions, though analysts estimate only a small portion of its recommendations have
00:50been fully implemented. Leaders are also considering setting a 2028 deadline to complete the single
00:57market, a move supporters say is crucial to respond to pressures from Beijing, Moscow and Washington.
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