von der Leyen speech: New direction for European competitiveness and industrial policy
European Commission President von der Leyen outlined six challenges for European competitiveness: regulation, financing, single market, energy, AI, and trade. She proposed reducing administrative burden by 25% (35% for SMEs), creating a savings and investment union, introducing 'EU Inc.', lowering energy costs, and investing in AI, while emphasizing a 'de-risking' approach to China.
Impact and considerations
EU industrial policy shifts will affect business travel demand, aviation regulation, and corporate investment environment, offering key insights for multinational strategies.
Key points
- von der Leyen proposes cutting administrative burden by 25%, 35% for SMEs.
- Plans savings and investment union to unlock up to EUR 470 billion.
- Introduces 'EU Inc.' for online company registration within 48 hours.
- Emphasizes 'de-risking' not decoupling from China, strengthening trade defense.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- European Commission
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 27 Aug 2026, 17:18
- Page published
- 8 Sept 2026, 19:54
- Last updated
- 27 Aug 2026, 17:18
- Original links
- European Commission Press Corner：Speech by President: ‘La Rencontre des Entrepreneurs de France (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 27 Aug 2026, 17:18