EU leaders meet for roundtable discussions on economy

EU leaders Thursday vowed to act boldly to bolster Europe's economy, as they huddled in a Belgian castle to bridge differences on the path ahead. It is a challenge that has long dogged the European Union, but has gained greater urgency because of geopolitical shocks, intensified global competition and an economy that lags behind bigger powers.

Leaders shared a common diagnosis that Europe's moribund economy needs a kickstart. Paris and Berlin have publicly diverged on France's push to favor EU companies and for more joint debt -- although French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were keen to present a united front.