European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has hailed a new legislative roadmap to bolster the EU's competitiveness as an "ambitious" move that will strengthen the bloc's ability to withstand shocks.

On the sidelines of the Informal meeting of Heads of State or Government in Cyprus, the President of the Republic of Cyprus as the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission, signed a joint declaration committing to achieve the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap.

With this joint roadmap, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission commit to achieving One Europe, One Market through decisive progress in 2026 and by the end of 2027 at the latest across the following five strategic building blocks: (1) simplifying rules; (2) a more integrated Single Market including by removing the ten most harmful barriers; (3) championing strong trade; (4) reducing energy prices and decarbonising; and (5) driving the digital and AI transformation.

The roadmap includes targets for legislative proposals and agreement by the co-legislators; Quarterly review to monitor progress; Clear institutional responsibilities for all EU institutions in line with their prerogatives; and Regular stock taking for full transparency.

Building on the existing monitoring process, the institutions will ensure regular stocktaking to oversee and guide the implementation of this Roadmap, a statement by the European Parliament read.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament said: “This Roadmap reflects what the European Parliament has been calling for: a stronger, more competitive and resilient Europe. It is ambitious, it strengthens our capacity to withstand shocks, and it provides predictability to our citizens and businesses. We said we would take bold decisions and we are doing it. This is Europe responding to what it needs.”

But she also gave a disclaimer, that the European Parliament will not accept to be put under pressure if proposals do not come in good time and are well drafted. “Ambition is good but so is realism. We owe citizens that. I have said this before: most people see Europe as one system, and they judge it on one thing - whether it delivers. We need to work together.”

Some of the priority deliverables listed in EU documentation include the target for agreement on a proposal to address supply chain dependencies as being Q4 2026, agreement on an energy security package by Q2 2027, agreement on a Cloud and AI Development Act by Q4 2027 and agreement on the EU cybersecurity Act by end of this year.

Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus as the Rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union said: “This Roadmap marks a turning point in advancing Europe’s competitiveness agenda. Moving forward with its implementation is not merely a regulatory exercise. It is a strategic necessity to reinforce Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term prosperity, within the framework of a truly integrated Single Market and a stronger, more cohesive European Union.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said that these actions will boost Europe’s economic growth, guarantee digital transformation, and strengthen industrial resilience. “This is an absolute priority of this Commission and with this Roadmap, we have the way forward.”