Germany and Italy Unveil Strategic Industrial Cooperation Plan to Drive EU Regulatory Reform

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz friedrich merzand Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni giorgia meloniannounced a joint 19-page plan today, January 23, 2026, to coordinate within the European Union on regulatory simplification and industrial policy reform. The comprehensive document outlines a strategy for deeper cooperation on energy, defence, and migration, marking a significant alignment between the two largest manufacturing powers in the European Union. This move signals a strategic shift as Germany DEand Italy ITseek to address mounting competitive pressures from China CNand the United States US.