The European Council approved this week in Brussels its strategic agenda for its new mandate 2024-2029. The Council emphasised its key values for a strong and secure Europe. Furthermore it called for the enhancement of the Single Market as a key driver of prosperity and economic convergence. By deepening integration in energy, finance, and telecommunications, and removing barriers to services and essential goods, the EU aims to ensure equal access through improved connectivity. A balanced state aid and competition framework will preserve the integrity of the Single Market, with SMEs remaining central to Europe’s economic and social fabric. (....)