European Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque, speaking at Europe Day celebrations in Porto on 9 May 2026, called for a new ambition to deepen European integration, arguing that the EU must move beyond thinking as 27 separate markets to create the scale needed to compete globally. In her speech, Albuquerque stressed that the bloc faces a clear challenge: despite having talent, resources and innovation capacity, it has not fully transformed that potential into economic scale.
Albuquerque, a Portuguese Commissioner, framed her call around the 40th anniversary of Portugal's accession to the European Economic Community, which she said transformed the country's economy, infrastructure and society. She argued that the next step for the EU must be to reduce fragmentation, mobilise resources better and increase prosperity for citizens. The speech contained no specific policy proposals, measurable targets or institutional reforms, remaining at the level of declarative support for deeper integration and a more unified single market.
The Commissioner's remarks align with a broader push by the European Commission to strengthen the single market and enhance EU competitiveness in the face of global competition from large economic blocs. Albuquerque's emphasis on scale and unity echoes recent Commission communications on the future of the single market, though she did not reference any specific legislative or budgetary initiatives. Her speech also touched on the need for a change in mindset, urging member states to think more European and recognise that what strengthens the EU reinforces each member state.
Albuquerque's intervention comes at a time when the EU is grappling with multiple challenges, including geopolitical tensions, technological competition and the need to finance the green and digital transitions. Her call for deeper integration reflects a longstanding cleavage between those who favour greater centralisation of EU powers and those who prioritise national sovereignty and flexibility. The speech did not address potential trade-offs, such as the loss of national control over economic policy or the distribution of costs and benefits among member states.
Stakeholder reactions are likely to vary. EU federalists and pro-integration groups will welcome the call for more unity, while member states wary of further transfers of sovereignty may push back. Business sectors that benefit from a more harmonised single market, such as digital services and manufacturing, could see opportunities for reduced compliance costs and easier cross-border expansion. However, smaller firms and national champions that rely on local market protections may face increased competition. Consumers could gain from lower prices and more choice, but the transition may entail short-term adjustment costs. The speech did not address how deeper integration would be financed or governed, leaving open questions about the balance between EU-level action and national prerogatives.
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