THE BROAD VIEW

Europe cannot afford another lost year

The continent must tackle competition from China, American protectionism and geopolitical threats

    • French President Emmanuel Macron says that Europe knows what it has to do to remain competitive in an increasingly cut-throat global economy.
    • French President Emmanuel Macron says that Europe knows what it has to do to remain competitive in an increasingly cut-throat global economy. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 06:00 PM

    [COPENHAGEN] In October 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron stood in Copenhagen alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

    They were joined by executives from 28 of Europe’s largest companies.

    They were there for the Copenhagen Competitiveness Summit, whose purpose was straightforward: to discuss how Europe can remain competitive in an increasingly cut-throat global economy.