Assessment of the Letta and Draghi reports on the functioning and competitiveness of the EU's Single Market

Keypoints

The EESC:

• emphasizes the urgent need to boost European competitiveness while ensuring sustainability and social cohesion. The EU faces increasing global competition and must take decisive action to strengthen its economic position. However, this should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability, workers' rights, or regional balance. The EESC calls for an approach that integrates economic growth with the principles of social and territorial cohesion.
• calls for increased investments in key areas such as social infrastructure, digital transformation, and energy transition. Recognizing that competitiveness relies on strong foundations, the EESC stresses the need for substantial investments in modern infrastructure, including education, research, digitalization, and renewable energy. These investments are essential to maintaining Europe's economic strength while addressing demographic shifts, technological advancements, and climate challenges.
• stresses that the EU must actively shape global economic transformation rather than merely preserving past achievements. The EESC underlines that Europe is at a crossroads: it can either take a proactive role in global economic transformation or risk falling behind. This means adapting the single market to new geopolitical realities, reducing strategic dependences on non-EU supply chains, and enhancing Europe's role in strategic industries. 

For more information, please contact the INT Section Secretariat