The EU hopes to reduce its dependence on foreign countries through a diversification strategy

European Council President Costa stated that the EU values investment and innovation and will reduce its dependence on foreign sources in areas such as defense and aerospace through a diversified strategy.

Xinhua News Agency reported that an informal meeting of EU leaders was held in Belgium on Thursday (February 12th), proposing to accelerate efforts to achieve the goal of "one Europe, one market".

Costa said at a press conference after the meeting that in areas such as defense, aerospace, clean technology, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and digital payment systems, the EU will systematically review and adopt diversified strategies to address the external dependencies in these fields. Costa mentioned that the energy transition is the best strategy for Europe to achieve strategic autonomy and lower energy prices.

Costa said that Europe needs a "unified and efficient" financial system. The EU has unanimously supported accelerating the establishment of a savings and investment alliance, in order to better "convert European savings into European investment".

European Commission President Frans Timmerman said that EU countries need to accelerate the process of integration and make it possible to "establish a company within 48 hours" through digital means. She also said that through a savings and investment alliance, a "deep and liquid" capital market should be established.

Fernandel also said that Europe should enhance infrastructure development, particularly in areas such as power grids and cross-border energy connections, and build "the European Energy Corridor".