Europe must act now to bridge regional divides and halt political extremism
Political discontent is rising in Europe and the EU is facing a complex challenge – improving competitiveness while simultaneously preventing the growth of regional inequalities. Unleashing competitiveness means taking concrete actions to give Europe the lead in complex technologies such as AI, to unleash innovation and entrepreneurship but also to correct a false narrative that […]
How the EU can – and should – enhance its security and global competitiveness
To achieve the objectives of security and competitiveness the EU will absolutely need to prioritise its enlargement policy, defence strategy and global partnerships over the coming years to 2030 and beyond. To make the EU fit for 30+ members, it will have to start by reforming its enlargement methodology towards a ‘staged accession’ procedure and […]
A critical first response to Mario Draghi’s competitiveness report
On 9 September 2024, Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister and former President of the European Central Bank, presented his long-awaited report on the EU economy and EU competitiveness. This is an immense report, 400 pages in total, containing a myriad of proposals to reform and rejuvenate a stagnant and sluggish EU economy, an […]
Staying ahead of the curve
A comprehensive review of the financial services landscape is necessary for the EU to address structural inefficiencies, ensure market dynamism and support long-term economic growth. The report emphasises that while Europe’s financial system has expanded in size and complexity, and there have been efforts to diversify and integrate financial markets, progress remains uneven, with fragmented […]
Why we need to rewire Europe’s financial sector – to end fragmentation and bolster integration
If Europe wants to stay ahead of the curve and be able to follow – and eventually lead – its international counterparts, the new European Commission should have a focused agenda that balances regulatory simplicity with forward-looking strategies. This is particularly the case in capital market integration, bank competitiveness, digital finance and sustainability. Over the […]