EU leaders target 2027 for deeper single market, unveil '28th regime' plan

European Union leaders meeting at an informal retreat in Alden Biesen, Belgium, have committed to a sweeping overhaul of the single market, targeting completion by December 2027. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced she will present a detailed "One Europe, One Market Roadmap and Action Plan" at the March EU Council, incorporating clear timelines and measurable delivery targets requiring agreement from both the Council and Parliament.

'EU Inc' and Regulatory Revolution

A cornerstone initiative involves creating a voluntary "28th regime"—also termed "EU Inc"—enabling companies to operate across all 27 member states under a single, unified set of corporate rules. Von der Leyen emphasized firms would be able to establish a business digitally within 48 hours and function under one legal framework throughout the Union. European Council President Antonio Costa stressed the regime must be enacted through regulation rather than directive to prevent fragmented national implementation. Ten omnibus packages targeting administrative burden reduction are already underway, with projected annual savings of €15 billion for European enterprises.

Strategic Champions and Investment Mobilization

Leaders endorsed accelerated progress on the Savings and Investment Union to deepen integrated capital markets, with an initial phase targeted for completion by June. Revised EU merger guidelines expected in April aim to facilitate emergence of "European champions" in strategic sectors including telecommunications, defense, space, clean technology, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and payment systems. A forthcoming Industrial Accelerator Act will introduce targeted "European preference" mechanisms. On energy, leaders reaffirmed the green transition as the long-term solution for price reduction and strategic autonomy while acknowledging the need for pragmatic short-term electricity cost measures. Council President Costa declared: "In 2026, Europe will deliver. We did on defence last year, we will on competitiveness this year."