Draghi softens criticism of the European Commission

Date:

September 23, 2025

Former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, marking the first anniversary of his landmark competitiveness report, gave a blunt but less scathing assessment of its implementation. He argued that Europe is moving too slowly, with member states blocking much-needed reforms, but avoided the harsher tone of his Rimini speech last month.

Draghi urged the EU to “break old taboos” and act faster without hiding behind treaty change debates. He also criticized the Artificial Intelligence Act, calling it another source of uncertainty. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded by saying the report instilled an “urgency mindset” in EU policy and pledged to stay the course — while stressing that responsibility now lies with governments and the European Parliament.

Observers note that the Draghi report carries unusual political weight, as it was commissioned at the highest level and embedded in commissioners’ mission letters. This makes it more than just another strategy — it is seen as a promise, and failure to deliver could turn it into a liability.

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