Mario Draghi tries once again to shake up Europe. «I hope that we will rediscover a unified spirit with which we will be able to, so to speak, find the best from these great changes. Go in no particular order? We’re too small, we’re not going anywhere. Is the European Union ready for a possible trade war with the United States? I just said that we need to negotiate with the American ally, in such a way as to also protect our European producers”, he said in response to journalists’ questions at the Budapest summit. The former Italian prime minister observes that the indications of the Report on competitiveness in Europe, «already urgent, given the economic situation we are in today», have now «become even more urgent after the elections in the United States», because, he warns «not There is no doubt that Donald Trump’s presidency will make a big difference in relations between the United States and Europe.”
«Not necessarily – observes the former Prime Minister – everything in a negative sense, but certainly we should take note of it. From the point of view of the perspective of the Report, therefore of the relaunch of competition in Europe, a couple of things that come to mind are that this administration will certainly give great further impetus to the technological sector, to the so-called high tech, where we are already far behind and this is the driving sector of productivity.” «Already now – Draghi recalls – the difference in productivity between the United States and Europe is very large, so in a certain sense we should act and most of the indications in the Report focus on this issue alone». «The other example – he notes – is that certainly little is known about what exactly will happen, but one seems more certain than the others, and that is that Trump will give a lot of impetus in the innovative sectors and will protect the traditional industries, which are precisely the industries where we export most in the United States.” “So – this is the path indicated by Draghi – there we will have to negotiate with the American ally, with a unified spirit in such a way as to also protect our European producers”.
#change #necessarily #negative #Tempo
**Interview with Mario Draghi on Competition Policy and European Competitiveness**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Draghi. Your recent report emphasizes the importance of integrating competition, trade, and industrial policies. Could you elaborate on why this integration is crucial for European competitiveness?
**Mario Draghi:** Thank you for having me. The integration of these policies is essential because they are interdependent. Industrial policy shapes the environment in which competition occurs, while trade policy determines how we engage with global markets. If we want to enhance European competitiveness, especially in the face of changing global dynamics, these policies must work in harmony.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a potential trade war with the United States. How can Europe prepare for such a scenario while protecting its own producers?
**Mario Draghi:** Preparation is key. We need to negotiate firmly with the U.S. while ensuring that our industries remain competitive. This involves not only dialogue with American allies but also taking proactive steps to bolster our own sectors through supportive policies. It’s about finding a balance to protect European interests without isolating ourselves.
**Interviewer:** You also highlighted the urgency of your recommendations given the recent U.S. elections. In what ways do you foresee the new administration affecting European trade relations?
**Mario Draghi:** The new U.S. administration will likely shift the dynamics of our relationship. We must be prepared for more aggressive stances on trade, which means we need to enhance our own competitiveness quickly. This is not entirely a negative outcome; it can spur innovation, especially in the high-tech sector where Europe needs to catch up.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of innovation, how can Europe foster its technological advancements to remain competitive?
**Mario Draghi:** We must invest significantly in research and development and create an environment that encourages innovation. Collaborating across member states to leverage resources effectively can position us better in the global market. Moreover, strong competition within Europe can drive productivity, which is essential for a thriving tech sector.
**Interviewer:** as you call for a “unified spirit” in Europe, what steps should European leaders take to foster this unity in response to these challenges?
**Mario Draghi:** Unity will come from a shared understanding of our goals and a collaborative approach to policy-making. European leaders must prioritize open dialogues, share best practices, and align their strategies on trade and industrial policies to collectively enhance our resilience. Only then can we navigate the complexities of the global economy effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Draghi, for sharing your insights on these pressing issues facing Europe today.
**Mario Draghi:** It’s my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
