Draghi’s Report Advocates Sustainability as Key to EU Competitiveness
The European Commission assigned Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank, to prepare a report presenting his personal vision for the future of European competitiveness.
The report emphasizes the importance for Europe to invest in clean energy and a circular economy to ensure long-term competitiveness.
Mario Draghi’s latest report on EU competitiveness sends a clear message: Europe’s future economic success is tied directly to sustainability.
As global markets increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, Draghi emphasizes that the EU must lead the way in decarbonization and green innovation to maintain its competitive edge.
The report outlines a vision where economic growth and environmental goals are deeply interconnected. By investing in clean energy and transitioning to a circular economy, Europe can secure long-term competitiveness. Industries that innovate in sustainable technologies and reduce their environmental impact will be better positioned to thrive in an evolving global economy.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Draghi’s report highlights the need for a socially inclusive transition. He stresses that protecting vulnerable communities and addressing social inequalities must be part of Europe’s green shift. This aligns with broader EU discussions about the intersection of sustainability and social justice, as the region grapples with poverty, inequality, and access to resources.
The report’s call to action also mirrors recent trends in the business sector. CSR Europe’s 2024 Business Manifesto, for example, urges companies to integrate sustainability into their operations while addressing social exclusion. Though Draghi focuses on policy, both documents agree that sustainability should create value for society and the economy, ensuring that businesses and governments work together to foster innovation and inclusion.
Draghi’s vision underscores a new path forward for Europe—one where sustainability fuels both economic competitiveness and social progress, cementing the EU’s role as a global leader in the green economy.
In line with this, CSR Europe joined the 1000 companies, organizations, associations, and unions that endorsed the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, to complement the Green Deal and keep high-quality jobs for workers in Europe.
In June 2024, CSR Europe launched Europe’s first Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Network to bridge the gap between the industry’s experience and policymaking. The first meeting between representatives from the European Commission and members of the European Chief Sustainability Officers Network will take place on 5 December at the European Commission - DG Internal Market, Industry, and Entrepreneurship headquarters in Brussels to adopt the European CSO Network Action Plan 2025.
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