EU leaders gather at Alden Biesen castle to debate how to revive Europe’s economy — and whether “strategic autonomy” can survive internal divisions. POLITICO's Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by policy editor Sarah Wheaton to unpack the competitiveness retreat.

Plus: The Hungary funds case nears a turning point in Luxembourg, as the Court of Justice of the European Union issues a key opinion in the Parliament’s lawsuit against the Commission — with political stakes ahead of Hungary’s April parliamentary election.

And finally: Why are EU leaders so fond of castles?
Zoya and Sarah also share listeners’ karaoke picks sent to our WhatsApp number: +32 491 05 06 29

With Valentine’s Day approaching, send us a shoutout to your loved one — or maybe a missed connection.
That person you exchanged a glance with in the Berlaymont lift.
The policy wonk you queued behind for coffee at Schuman.
The brunette who walked into the Commission building before you could say hello.
Send us a voice note — we might help Brussels’ most bureaucratic love stories find a happy landing.

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