Explainers

At the March 2026 European Council, EU leaders agreed on an agenda of concrete measures with ambitious deadlines to strengthen the EU's competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. 

The competitiveness compass provides a plan to allow Europe to regain its economic growth and prosperity.

The package proposes measures to better connect companies and investors, improve funding and investment opportunities for retail investors, and further integrate capital markets.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Europe’s industry and economy. The EU is putting in place policies to support SMEs, given their an essential role in the transition to a sustainable and digital economy.

The savings and investments union aims to connect savings and investments in the EU to create financial opportunities for citizens and businesses.

In an era of growing instability, the EU is acting with determination to strengthen its competitiveness, ensuring prosperity and security for its citizens.

The EU is working on a strategy to further increase consumer protection and trust in order to encourage investment in European capital markets.

The EU aims to further develop its financial and capital markets to meet its economic needs, promote innovation and improve access to funding.

The package proposes measures to make EU clearing services more resilient, harmonise corporate insolvency rules and lower administrative burdens for companies.

The EU is working on creating a single market for capital to improve the financing possibilities for businesses and to offer new opportunities for savers and investors, regardless of where they are located.