EBD-Newsletter February 2026 | Europe between capacity to act, enlargement and reform
Dear readers,
the European Single Market is more than an economic area - it is an expression of our liberal democratic order. At the informal Leaders’ Retreat on 12 February, completing the Single Market was at the heart of discussions on Europe’s capacity to act, cutting red tape, a possible “28th regime for innovative companies”, and new investment instruments. Our De-briefing at the DIHK the following morning provided clarity. Yet the debate reveals fault lines - between market openness and industrial-policy steering, between necessary harmonisation, European-level financing, and national or interest-driven reflexes.
As EBD, we have presented an impulse paper on this topic: competitiveness is not a technocratic question of efficiency, but a democratic task of European integration. Where rules are reliable, procedures transparent and democratically legitimised by parliaments, trust, investment and resilience can grow. The rule of law and strong social foundations are competitive advantages – especially in contrast to authoritarian models. Our new #EBDGraphic highlights the strengths and differentiations within the Single Market.
The Munich Security Conference also made clear that Europe’s responsibility for its own security is growing. The Federal Chancellor has, rightly, finally pointed out: Article 42(7) TEU – the mutual assistance clause – is underestimated and must be brought to life. Solidarity is not a political slogan, but a treaty obligation. Particularly in the context of possible enlargement, we must spell out precisely how this duty of assistance will be underpinned politically, financially and with parliamentary oversight. Security, the Single Market and budget policy belong together. Moreover, a Europe of “different speeds” can be pragmatic – but it must never bypass the rule of law or parliamentary accountability. In this light, we are also launching the consultation on EBD Policy 2026/27. Please contribute with critical reflection and a long-term perspective.
For me, it is clear: competitiveness, security and democracy belong together. When we strengthen the Single Market, we strengthen Europe’s capacity to act – internally and externally – and thus our security and freedom.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Anna-Maija Mertens
President European Movement Germany
#EBDGrafik of the month
Since 1993, the European Single Market has connected around 450 million people and forms the economic foundation of the European Union. Our EM Germany "Grafik des Monats" shows which countries participate in the Single Market, through which models they are integrated, and on which four fundamental freedoms it is built.
It also highlights that the Single Market extends beyond the EU and is far more than just an economic area. It is a key prerequisite for Europe’s economic strength and political capacity to act. | To the "EBD Grafik des Monats"
EM Germany News
Capacity to Act through Competitiveness
The informal meeting of EU leaders set new impulses for Europe’s competitiveness. In the subsequent EBD De-Briefing, the outcomes of the Leaders’ Retreat were assessed from a political perspective. Three key areas of action were at the centre: deepening the Single Market – including through the “28th Regime” project – reducing bureaucracy, and pursuing a confident, rules-based trade policy.
EM Germany Board Member Freya Lemcke (DIHK) opened the event and underlined that competitiveness is a prerequisite for Europe’s capacity to act. Ole Funke (Federal Chancellery) presented the course and results of the meeting. In their initial comments, Gosia Binczyk (European Commission) and Dr Anna-Maija Mertens (EM Germany President) assessed the political priorities.
Dr Mertens stressed the political urgency: Europe currently finds itself in a defensive position, both economically and geopolitically. Binding decisions on reducing bureaucracy, advancing digitalisation and strengthening infrastructure are just as necessary as institutional reforms, particularly with regard to enlargement and the extension of qualified majority voting in the Council. | Read more (in German)
Competitiveness Needs Democracy
For EM Germany, competitiveness is not a technocratic question of efficiency, but a task of democratic integration. Ahead of the EU Leaders’ Retreat, EM Germany published a policy paper explicitly linking economic strength with the rule of law, democratic legitimacy and social stability.
The Single Market is understood not merely as an economic area, but as an expression of a liberal democratic order. Competitiveness therefore also determines whether Europe can effectively protect its values and its open society.
EM Germany President Dr Anna-Maija Mertens and Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann emphasise: reliable rules, transparent procedures and democratic governance are themselves key competitive advantages for Europe. | Read more about EM Germany’s position (in German)
Stability over Haste: ECB Stays Its Course
Price stability remains the guiding principle of the European Central Bank. At the recent EM Germany De-Briefing on the ECB Governing Council meeting, it became clear that the central bank is maintaining its course despite global uncertainties. With an inflation rate of 1.7% in January, the euro area is once again approaching the 2% target. The key interest rate remains unchanged at 2%.
Gabriel Glöckler and Bettina Landau (both ECB) assessed the monetary policy situation and pointed to structural challenges such as energy price developments, demographic change and the future of European payment infrastructures. At the same time, the institutional independence of the ECB was highlighted as a key prerequisite for trust in monetary policy. The De-Briefing took place in cooperation with the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) and was moderated by Bernd Hüttemann (EM Germany). | Read more (in German)
Who Will Be Woman of Europe 2026?
The decision is drawing closer: At the Secretariat of EM Germany, the jury for the 2026 Woman of Europe Award convened to deliberate on this year’s nominations. The award honours women who volunteer their time and energy to advance European unity in an outstanding way. The laureate will be announced on 8 March, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Representing the EM Germany Board on the jury were Clara Föller, Matthäus Fandrejewski, Sabine Overkämping and Steffi Grimm. Katharina Wolf, Gudrun Schmidt-Kärner and Dr. Linn Selle also participated as members of the Presidium of the Awardees’ Network. | Read more (in German)
In Memory of Rita Süssmuth
With deep gratitude and appreciation, EM Germany reflects on the life and work of its Honorary President Rita Süssmuth, who passed away on 1 February 2026. As President of EM Germany from 1994 to 1998, she shaped the organisation during a period of institutional transformation and strengthened its political role in a lasting way.
Beyond her term of office, she remained closely connected to EM Germany and, as Honorary President, continued to advocate with great conviction for democracy, women’s rights and European integration. Her commitment to parliamentary responsibility and a values-based European Union continues to resonate today.
Dr Anna-Maija Mertens paid tribute to Rita Süssmuth as a strong European and dedicated parliamentarian who gave EM Germany a clear parliamentary and European voice. Her dedication to democracy and fundamental rights remains part of EM Germany’s institutional identity. | Read more (in German)
Upcoming Events
4 March 2026 | EBD Briefing on EU Enlargement – Perspectives for the Republic of Moldova with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihail Popșoi | The briefing will focus on the state of the EU accession process following the 2025 parliamentary elections, key reform steps to implement the Copenhagen Criteria, and the interfaces between the Council of Europe and EU enlargement policy. The event will take place at the Representation of the European Commission and will start at 12:30. The event will be held in English. | Further information
11 March 2026 | EBD De-Briefing ECOFIN | At the EBD De-Briefing, the outcomes of the meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will be presented and assessed from a German perspective. Ines Schlotter (Federal Ministry of Finance) will outline the key decisions and current economic and financial policy developments at EU level. The event will take place online and begins at 14:00. | Further information
23 March 2026 | EBD De-Briefing European Council | Following the European Council meeting of 19/20 March 2026, the EBD De-Briefing will provide an overview of the key decisions and political orientations. The event will take place in person at the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and begins at 08:30. Ole Funke (Federal Chancellery) will assess the outcomes from the perspective of the German government. | Further information
Check out former editions of our newsletter here.
Please sign up here if you would like to receive the newsletter (in German).
Zur deutschen Version dieses Newsletters.
