The Draghi report, commissioned by the European Commission, sets out a vision for revitalizing Europe’s competitiveness in the face of growing global challenges, especially from China and the United States. The report, prepared by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, calls for unprecedented investment in the EU’s industrial, defence, and technological sectors. To stay globally competitive, Europe must invest at least twice as much as it did after World War II, with common EU borrowing playing a key role. The goal is to drive innovation, restore productivity, and reduce energy costs.

While the report’s emphasis is on modernizing industries and achieving strategic autonomy, it does not specifically address the role of military personnel. However, EUROMIL, the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions, regrets this omission. While it understands the report’s focus, EUROMIL insists that political leaders must not overlook the vital role of military professionals in executing these ambitious plans. Any strategy for Europe’s future will fail without the men and women tasked with implementing it. Defence personnel must be adequately prepared and supported to meet these new challenges.

Regarding the much discussed topic of establishing an EU defence Commissioner, the report underlines the need for one focusing on the defence industrial part to shape and coordinate EU defence policy. Besides, Draghi’s report argues that the role of a European defence Commissioner should come with the right structure and funding to address today’s geopolitical challenges.

However, the report has faced immediate criticism, particularly over its call for joint EU borrowing. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands strongly oppose this idea, fearing it could burden them with supporting more indebted nations. Within hours of the report’s presentation, Germany’s Finance Minister Christian Lindner declared that “Germany will not agree” to such measures. This opposition highlights the significant political challenges Draghi’s proposals face, particularly in a political landscape where EU-wide agreements on financial policies remain difficult.

In addition to concerns over joint borrowing, traditional industries, such as Germany’s automotive sector, have expressed scepticism about the feasibility of implementing the proposed green transitions and technological innovations. These criticisms highlight the challenges of balancing economic modernization with the current realities.

Ultimately, the Draghi report is expected to shape future EU policy. Its call for massive investment in industrial and defence sectors, coupled with a focus on innovation, signals a new direction for Europe. It stresses the need for financial and regulatory support to encourage EU countries to prioritize European-made defence equipment. However, the success of these plans will depend on political will and the inclusion of military personnel as key players in implementing these transformative changes. To ensure that Europe remains competitive and secure in the future, EU leadership must prioritize the role of its military professionals, ensuring they are adequately trained, equipped, and supported. As EUROMIL, it is our goal and task to remind political leaders of this whenever needed, ensuring that the human element is never overlooked in Europe’s ambitious vision for the future.

The Draghi report can be read here.