The author of the article discusses the importance of pursuing economic balance and diversity in order to achieve a prosperous, resilient, dynamic, innovative, and democratic European economy. The specter of waning competitiveness is a major concern in Brussels, with the European Commission expected to prioritize competitiveness in its political agenda. Mario Draghi’s upcoming report on European competitiveness is expected to have a significant impact on the future of the EU. However, there are concerns from European civil society organizations about the lack of transparency and access in the development of this report. Draghi’s proposal to allow market consolidation in sectors such as defense, energy, and telecoms is seen as favoring large corporations at the expense of public interest.
The lack of transparency and access in the development of Draghi’s report is a major concern for civil society organizations. Draghi has been meeting with industry representatives, while many civil society groups and government officials from member states have not been consulted. There are fears that prioritizing the interests of large corporations could lead to increased market concentration in Europe, harming consumers, workers, and small businesses while undermining competitiveness. The author argues that adopting a policy agenda driven by the interests of corporate giants is not acceptable and will not lead to a prosperous and democratic European economy.
The author suggests that Draghi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should give civil society a bigger say in the report’s content and recommendations. They should also disclose all their meetings with interest groups to maintain transparency and legitimacy. The focus should not be on favoring large corporations at the expense of public interest, but rather on pursuing economic balance and diversity to create a more prosperous and dynamic European economy. The pathway to achieving a resilient, innovative, and democratic European economy lies in promoting economic balance and diversity, rather than allowing monopolies to dominate key sectors.
The article emphasizes the need for a more transparent and inclusive approach to developing economic policies in Europe. By giving civil society a bigger voice in decision-making processes and prioritizing public interest over the narrow interests of large corporations, European policymakers can ensure a more equitable and sustainable economic future. The pathway to prosperity and competitiveness lies in promoting economic diversity and balance, rather than allowing monopolies to dominate key sectors. This approach will not only benefit European consumers, workers, and small businesses but also contribute to a more democratic and innovative European economy.
