Results of the Competitiveness Council (Internal market and Industry), 26 February 2026

Ministers discussed the 2026 annual single market and competitiveness report, presented by the Commission on 30 January 2026. They acknowledged the challenges highlighted in the report, including administrative burdens, overregulation, and remaining barriers like the so-called ‘terrible 10’.

They also mentioned high energy prices, costs linked to the emissions trading scheme (ETS), dependencies on critical raw materials. Many urged to pass from strategy to action, already this very year.

Several ministers called for the swift adoption of the 28th company law regime, the creation of a real capital markets union, new trade agreements, and the implementation of measures under the critical raw materials act, such as EU-based raw material extraction and recycling. Some interventions also cautioned against “gold plating” (adding unnecessary national rules) and noted that some internal market problems stem from member state actions.

Find more information on the official website of the Council of the EU.