Macron calls for concrete EU measures by June or risks two-speed Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron called Thursday for urgent action from fellow European leaders, demanding "concrete measures" by June to strengthen the bloc's competitiveness or face the prospect of a two-speed Europe.

Speaking to reporters upon arrival at an EU leaders' retreat at Alden Biesen castle in Bilzen, eastern Belgium near the Dutch border, Macron emphasized the need for speed in decision-making. "What is important is that we really move quickly, that there are very concrete decisions by June and we will look in June, together, where we are," he said.

Macron warned that if progress cannot be achieved among all 27 member states on certain issues by that deadline, European leaders should be prepared to resort to enhanced cooperation—a mechanism that allows groups of countries to advance independently, potentially creating a fragmented European Union with different speeds of integration.

"If on certain issues we do not advance at 27, we must give ourselves the right to advance in enhanced cooperation to move faster," Macron stated, signaling his willingness to pursue narrower coalitions if broader consensus proves unattainable within the six-month timeframe.

The French president's remarks came during the EU leaders' retreat, where competitiveness and the bloc's strategic positioning appear to be central topics of discussion. Macron's call for concrete action reflects growing pressure within the European Union to address competitive challenges facing the bloc.

The enhanced cooperation mechanism, which Macron referenced, allows a minimum of nine EU member states to establish advanced integration in specific policy areas without requiring unanimous approval from all 27 members. This approach would enable faster decision-making but risks fragmenting the EU's unified approach to policy challenges.