Germany and Italy Propose Bold European Union Economic Reforms to Boost Competitiveness
Germany and Italy have drafted a joint paper calling for urgent EU regulatory reforms. The proposal aims to close the growth gap with the United States and China.
Insights:
The governments of Germany 
DEand Italy 
IThave prepared a joint policy paper reviewed by Reuters that urges the European Union to implement structural reforms to simplify regulatory procedures. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz friedrich merzand Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni giorgia meloniare scheduled to present the document during an informal Leaders Retreat in Alden Biesen, Belgium 
BE, on February 12, 2026. The move comes as Europe faces a widening growth gap compared to the United States 
USand China 
CN, with the paper stating that continuing on the current path is not an option.
DEand Italy IThave prepared a joint policy paper reviewed by Reuters that urges the European Union to implement structural reforms to simplify regulatory procedures. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz friedrich merzand Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni giorgia meloniare scheduled to present the document during an informal Leaders Retreat in Alden Biesen, Belgium BE, on February 12, 2026. The move comes as Europe faces a widening growth gap compared to the United States USand China CN, with the paper stating that continuing on the current path is not an option.
