Institutional aspects of the report on the future of European competitiveness (Draghi Report)

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19.11.2025 A10-0196/1

Amendment 1

Tobiasz Bocheński

on behalf of the ECR Group

Report A10-0196/2025

Brando Benifei

Institutional aspects of the report on the future of European competitiveness (Draghi Report)

(2025/2013(INI))

Motion for a resolution (Rule 188(3) of the Rules of Procedure) replacing non-legislative motion for a resolution A10-0196/2025

European Parliament resolution on the institutional aspects of the report on the future of European competitiveness (Draghi Report)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the report of 9 September 2024 by Mario Draghi entitled ‘The future of European competitiveness’ (Draghi report), – having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the Draghi report, drafted by Mario Draghi and prepared at the request of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, offers a comprehensive diagnosis of the structural challenges facing the EU, warning that the EU risks prolonged sluggish economic growth that could threaten its prosperity; whereas the Draghi report outlines how Europe can no longer rely on many of the factors that have supported its growth in the past; whereas the Draghi report highlights how past misguided and unreflective policy approaches have led to a decline in the EU’s global role; B. whereas a wide gap in GDP has opened between the EU and the United States, increasing from over 15 % in 2002 to approximately 30 % in 2023, measured in 2015 prices; whereas this gap is primarily caused by a more significant slowdown in productivity in Europe and the EU’s failure to capitalise on the digital revolution, led by the internet, and its associated potential productivity gains, partly due to the fragmentation of the European single market;
1. Underlines that the Draghi report emphasises that the EU’s current institutional and legal framework provides the necessary tools to strengthen Europe’s functioning and competitiveness; highlights that strengthening the EU’s political and institutional model is possible within this framework through targeted streamlining focused on political will, deregulation and the reduction of administrative burdens, including the removal of outdated or inefficient legal acts, rather than expanding EU rules or amending the Treaties; calls, therefore, for a decisive reduction in unnecessary regulatory burdens so that the EU can focus on areas where common action delivers the greatest added value; stresses that such action must fully adhere to the Treaty framework and ensure that EU institutions respect the rule of law by preventing expansive interpretations in the implementation of EU law; 2. Takes note of the Draghi report, its findings and its call for action; supports the analysis that Europe is facing an existential challenge which requires enhanced competitiveness and economic growth in today’s rapidly changing geopolitical context; welcomes the strategic focus on the EU’s innovation, security, competitiveness and defence; regrets that the Draghi report does not address the responsibility of the Commission and other EU institutions in the current crisis and the loss of economic advantages, resulting from short-sighted and misguided European policies in recent decades; highlights the excessively growing legislative activity of the Commission, as noted in the Draghi report, and calls for a more rigorous application of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles to ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to citizens; 3. Considers that the accession processes of a number of countries have gained momentum since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; acknowledges that a complex and challenging global environment requires efficient legislative and decision-making procedures to ensure the EU functions effectively; stresses, however, that EU enlargement must not be used as a pretext for altering decision-making methods or EU procedures; 4. Highlights that the veto right is a Treaty-based instrument enabling the Member States to safeguard the interests of their citizens, and stresses that maintaining this instrument is crucial for ensuring democratic oversight and balanced decision-making within the EU; notes that the Draghi report does not consider further centralisation, bureaucracy or greater procedural complexity at EU level to be conducive to the future development of the Member States; 5. Stresses that boosting the EU’s competitiveness requires a strategic focus on completing the European single market and enhancing economic dynamism through deregulation and the application of the subsidiarity principle; supports the establishment of a capital markets union that respects national fiscal prerogatives; calls for a more efficient and transparent EU budget, noting that the Draghi report identifies serious shortcomings in the current model for the allocation and use of EU funds and, therefore, calls for its reform; underlines that these reforms, and broader EU action, should prioritise deregulation, the simplification of legislation and the removal of burdens and barriers for businesses; calls for a substantial reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy; 6. Welcomes efforts to refocus and streamline the EU’s activities through strategic prioritisation and improved institutional efficiency; calls for the EU to act decisively in areas where it demonstrably adds value, grounded in the subsidiarity and proportionality principles, while avoiding unnecessary centralisation or expansion into areas better handled at national or local level; 7. Acknowledges that Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) may provide a legal basis for exceptional EU action in times of genuine crisis, but firmly stresses that its use must be tightly constrained, temporary and clearly justified; stresses, furthermore, that the use of Article 122 TFEU requires strong oversight, not only by the Court of Justice of the European Union but also by Parliament, to prevent overreach and ensure that it is not used to bypass Member State prerogatives or normal legislative procedures; 8. Recognises the importance of an organic transition towards a more integrated and secure European energy union; emphasises, however, that efforts in this regard should be based on realistic, cost-effective solutions that respect national energy choices and priorities; 9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the European Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

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