The future of European competitiveness: an existential challenge to safeguard Europe’s “raison d’être”

Given the significance of the themes discussed by the former European Central Banker and the debates they have sparked, this dissertation aims to explore some key points and their broader implications in greater depth. The first chapter focuses on why innovation is crucial for Europe to remain competitive against two major economic powers: the U.S. and China. The second chapter then provides an overview of key European environmental policies aimed at ensuring a sustainable energy transition. Chapter three shifts to some of the main critiques directed at Draghi, particularly regarding his proposals for financing investments in the European economy, along with broader criticisms related to the key themes of his report. Finally, the dissertation concludes with reflections on the recent U.S. presidential elections, examining the impact Trump’s administration political guidelines can have on Europe and, as a consequence, why implementing Draghi’s recommendations is essential in a period marked by significant geopolitical shifts.