European Council President Antonio Costa spoke to Bloomberg’s Oliver Crook before the informal EU leaders meeting in Alden Biesen, Belgium. He outlined a vision for a more competitive Europe, stressing the need to deepen the single market and strengthen ties with the United States. The conversation set the tone for the week’s agenda.

Costa emphasized that a unified market can give European firms a scale rivaling U.S. and Asian competitors. He warned that fragmented regulations and trade barriers still hinder cross‑border growth. By aligning rules, the EU could unlock new investment flows and streamline supply chains, boosting corporate earnings and shareholder value.

He also touched on defense cooperation, noting that stronger security ties could reduce risk premiums for European businesses. Costa mentioned Ukraine’s potential accession, a move that would open a new market and signal a deeper commitment to European values. Investors view such expansion as a chance to diversify revenue streams.

The remarks arrive as EU leaders weigh policy choices that could reshape trade flows and investment patterns. By pushing for a tighter single market and considering Ukraine’s entry, the bloc signals a strategic shift aimed at sustaining long‑term growth and resilience in a volatile global economy.