Could Mario Draghi Rescue the European Union? The Case for His Presidency of the Council

The idea of Mario Draghi succeeding Charles Michel as the president of the European Council has gained traction, with an editorial by Mario De Pizzo of the Atlantic Council suggesting it is a better option than Ursula von der Leyen. According to De Pizzo, this would enable significant reforms in the European Union to prevent its decline.

Draghi, who was once president of the European Central Bank and Italian prime minister, is seen as a leader who is willing to make necessary changes. He has been tasked with drafting a report on the EU’s competitiveness that will shed light on Europe’s weaknesses and its limited capacity for innovation and production. De Pizzo believes that this report could serve as a foundation for EU government strategies in the coming years, driving Europe towards achieving its objectives.

The editorial argues that Draghi’s leadership at the European Council could be instrumental in initiating reforms in the EU’s founding treaties. By leveraging his position to propose policy changes and develop strategies outlined in his report, Draghi could steer the EU towards a revitalized partnership among member states. This renewed vision for the EU, reminiscent of the founding fathers’ ambitions, is crucial for overcoming the challenges Europe faces today.