**Article:**
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa announced that former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will join the upcoming informal retreat of the 27 European Union leaders. These meetings are designed to provide a relaxed environment where leaders can discuss key issues without the constraints of formal summit protocols.
Costa has been hosting these informal gatherings to encourage open dialogue and brainstorming among EU heads of state and government. The latest retreat aims to address ways to enhance the EU’s economic competitiveness amid global challenges.
By removing formalities, the meetings seek to foster candid conversations and collaborative problem-solving, allowing leaders to explore innovative approaches to the bloc’s strategic priorities.
**Why this matters:**
Informal retreats like this one offer EU leaders an opportunity to engage in frank discussions that may be difficult in formal settings. With economic competitiveness a pressing concern, these meetings could shape future policies and initiatives that impact the entire European Union. The participation of influential figures such as Mario Draghi highlights the importance of these discussions for the bloc’s economic direction.
Source: NewsData