# European Union economic and competitiveness concerns > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-union-economic-and-competitiveness-concerns > Updated: 2026-10-26T22:17:51.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. European officials and representatives have raised alarms regarding the economic stability and long-term competitiveness of the European Union. Initially, Marco Falcone, a Member of the European Parliament, advocated for structural measures to combat energy dependency and bolster business competitiveness. He also emphasized the need to increase the purchasing power of citizens to address economic challenges and widespread protests. Following these calls, European leaders issued more urgent warnings during a conference in Lisbon. Maria Luís Albuquerque, the European Commissioner for Financial Services, described the continent as being in a ‘grave crisis, which may be existential,’ while criticizing political leaders for delaying necessary reforms. Concurrently, José Manuel Durão Barroso characterized the region’s struggle with competitiveness as a ‘slow-motion crisis.’ ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: European leaders warn of existential crisis and slow competitiveness European officials Maria Luís Albuquerque and Durão Barroso warned of an existential and slow-motion crisis facing the EU, urging faster reforms and better competition. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-leaders-warn-of-existential-crisis-and-slow-competitiveness ### 2026-10-21: European MEP calls for structural measures to address energy and competitiveness crises MEP Marco Falcone urges the EU to adopt structural measures to reduce energy dependency, boost business competitiveness, and increase consumer purchasing power amid rising protests. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-mep-calls-for-structural-measures-to-address-energy-and-competitiveness-crises --- Cite as: European Union economic and competitiveness concerns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-union-economic-and-competitiveness-concerns