Von der Leyen and Draghi take stock of Europe’s competitiveness

BRUSSELS — One year after Mario Draghi’s sweeping competitiveness report landed on EU desks, the European Commission convened a high-level conference to measure progress. President Ursula von der Leyen and former ECB chief led the discussion, weighing achievements against persistent gaps. 

In the Commission’s words

Von der Leyen’s opening keynote painted a picture of an EU stepping up to the global stage. She pointed to Europe’s rising supercomputing capacity, with projects like Jupiter in Germany and HPC6 in Italy evidencing that the continent can lead in technology. AI adoption is accelerating, start-ups are scaling faster, and clean energy investments are turning decarbonisation into industrial reality. She additionally highlighted defence spending — long debated but rarely delivered — as finally beginning to meet the expectations.

For von der Leyen, these are signs that when Europe commits, it can deliver. Yet her underlying message was clear: only results count. Strategies and plans must create tangible benefits for citizens and strengthen the global competitiveness of European companies.

Reality check from the author himself

Draghi’s address, characteristically more blunt, reminded Europe of the true challenges  limiting  progress. Growth is slowing, energy costs remain painfully high, and AI leadership is still largely out of reach compared to global competitors. Heavy reliance on external powers for defence, raw materials, and cheap energy, he warned, leaves the continent dangerously exposed.

The former ECB chief urged leaders to complete the single market, ramp up public-private investment in breakthrough technologies and coordinate policies across sectors with more ambition. Yet these measures demand bold action and strong political unity. His formula: “speed, scale, intensity.”

What’s at stake 

Draghi’s warning didn’t skip a beat: Europe’s future is on the line. The risks go beyond short-term setbacks. Falling behind in strategic sectors  could leave Europe dependent and politically weaker. 

The Draghi Report was never meant as an academic exercise. One year later, it remains a mirror reflecting both what Europe can achieve and what it stands to lose. The Commission recites “delivery, delivery, delivery” as its mantra, while Draghi counters with urgency and scaling. Both agree that Europe cannot afford to stand still.