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A context of change and challenges
In recent years, the European Union has faced a series of challenges that have severely tested its cohesion and its ability to respond. Internal political tensions, combined with stagnant economic growth, have made it difficult to implement effective policies. Recently, former Prime Minister Mario Draghi highlighted how the use of unilateral actions to resolve trade disputes and the progressive weakening of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have undermined the multilateral order, creating a context of uncertainty that requires decisive intervention by the European Union.
Tax reforms and defense spending
In response to these challenges, the European Union has launched reforms of its fiscal rules, activating the “safeguard clause” to facilitate increased defense spending. However, only a limited number of countries have opted for a prolonged adjustment period, highlighting the difficulties in finding consensus on key economic issues. Draghi has highlighted that, in a context of high debt, exempting categories of public expenditure from budget rules has limits, making it necessary to issue common debt to finance shared expenditure.
The role of competitiveness in European integration
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has drawn attention to the importance of competitiveness as an indispensable condition for the strategic relaunch of the European Union. During the Cotec Symposium, he launched a “call to action” to stimulate a rapid and effective response to current challenges. Immobility, he warned, could lead to negative consequences for the well-being of European citizens and the loss of competitiveness at a global level. The need to act is therefore urgent, to avoid falling behind technological innovations and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Conclusions and future prospects
The message from Draghi and Mattarella is clear: Europe must move decisively to address the challenges of the present and the future. Cooperation between Member States and the adoption of common policies are essential to ensure sustainable growth and a competitive position in the global landscape. Only through coordinated action will it be possible to preserve economic stability and promote deeper integration, capable of responding to the needs of European citizens and addressing global challenges with determination.