Report on “The Future of European Competitiveness” 111 to harmonised regulations across the EU, and advocates increased public investment in disruptive technologies. It also stresses the importance of collaboration between universities and businesses in order to accelerate the transfer of scientific knowledge to the production sector. II. Aligning Decarbonisation and Competitiveness Europe is a leader in sustainability policies and has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the energy transition must be conducted in such a way as not to compromise industrial competitiveness, as energy prices currently remain substantially higher than those of its main competitors (the US and China). Draghi proposes a coordinated European energy strategy based on a combination of renewable sources, namely nuclear, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, ensuring coordination between decarbonisation and competitiveness. He also stresses the need to modernise energy infrastructure, such as electricity grids, which currently limit the expansion of renewable energy. III. Increasing Security and Reducing Dependencies The EU remains vulnerable due to its dependence on external suppliers, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors and strategic raw materials, posing a significant risk in an unstable geopolitical environment. Strengthening and diversifying supply chains, as well as increasing domestic production of critical materials and technologies, are essential to reducing external vulnerabilities and ensuring the EU's economic resilience. In addition, the author calls for greater integration of European countries' defence capabilities. 4. Sector Recommendations To implement this strategy, the Report proposes the use of common financial instruments, including the issuance of European debt for strategic projects, greater political coordination and simplification of decisionmaking processes. Without these reforms, the European Union faces the risk of a gradual decline in its economic and technological relevance. On the contrary, their implementation would boost the economy, strengthen strategic security and reposition Europe as a leader in innovation and sustainability. The report identifies ten priority sectors for strategic European intervention: 1. Energy; 2. Critical raw materials; 3. Digitalisation and advanced technologies; 4. Energy-intensive industries; 5. Clean technologies; 6. Automotive sector; 7. Defence; 8. Space; 9. Pharmaceutical industry; 10. Transport. 5. Conclusion For Europe to remain competitive, secure and prosperous, deep structural reforms and ambitious large-scale investments will be needed. The future of the EU will depend on its ability to close the innovation gap, reconcile the green transition with economic competitiveness, and strengthen security in a rapidly changing international environment. This report was one of the main references for the European Commission in defining a new strategic plan aimed at a more prosperous and competitively sustainable Europe, particularly in the proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028-2034), which proposes greater focus on Member States, simplification of existing programmes and boosting areas such as defence and ecological transition.
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