Mario Draghi presents Future of European Competitiveness Report

On 9 September 2024, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi presented his long-awaited report on the Future of European Competitiveness. President von der Leyen, who presented the report together with Mr. Draghi, emphasised that there is broad consensus that competitiveness must be at the top of the European agenda and at the centre of Europe's actions and that all changes must be fair. Ms von der Leyen focused on (1) clean and digital transition, (2) more skills and stressed that (3) Europe needs to be resilient. In the Q&A session of the press conference, the Commission President emphasised that research and innovation are at the heart of Europe's economy and are the engine of competitiveness, and announced that this will be reflected in the mission letters of the future Commissioners.

Mario Draghi pleaded for radical change. He stressed that the report is urgent and concrete, containing around 170 general proposals. Innovation forms the first pillar of the report. Mr. Draghi pointed out that Europe does not lack people and good ideas, but that there are too many obstacles, e.g. with regard to the number of laws. Mr. Draghi underlined that when it comes to implementation, core central values such as prosperity, justice, freedom, peace and democracy, must be preserved.

The report consists of 2 parts (Part A: A competitiveness strategy for Europe; Part B: In-depth analysis and recommendations) and identifies three main areas for action to revitalise sustainable growth:

1. Europe needs to close the innovation gap with the US and China, especially in cutting-edge technologies
2. Joint plan for decarbonisation and competitiveness
3. Increasing security and reducing dependencies.

Among other things, Mr. Draghi recommends that 'A Research and Innovation Union should be established and lead to a joint formulation of a common European R&I strategy and policy. To improve coordination, the EU could promote a ‘European Research and Innovation Action Plan’, designed by Member States, together with the Commission, the research community, and stakeholders from the private sector.

The report can be downloaded here:

The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi