08.09.2025 - "A year after the Draghi Report, Europe faces a reality check instead of momentum. The promised strengthening of competitiveness has barely reached our businesses. While other world regions accelerate, the EU is stagnating—risking being left behind.

The EU Commission has identified the right areas to address—from reducing bureaucracy to strengthening the Single Market and lowering energy prices. However, implementation remains slow and incremental. What we need are major—and above all, quick—steps. Progress on the vital trade agreement with Mercosur offers hope. Europe must not falter at the final hurdle. Simultaneously, trade agreements with other countries, such as India and Indonesia, must also move forward.

Our businesses grapple with geopolitical uncertainties, high energy costs, and increasing regulations. They need no additional requirements but rather freedom for investments and innovation.

Europe must finally switch gears, as must be evident in the State of the Union address: reduce bureaucracy not just in words but in deeds. Create practical rules. Set clear priorities. And, most importantly: accelerate. If we fail to act, we will continue to lose competitiveness—with all the consequences for growth, employment, and prosperity in Europe."