We’re back from holidays, and Brussels is already in full swing! If you’re in the EU capital, you’ve probably heard the buzz around former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s much-anticipated report on Europe’s industrial and economic future. And even if you’re outside this grey Brussels bubble, it’s still worth paying attention—this analysis, commissioned by Ursula von der Leyen and launched on Monday, could set the tone for the next policy cycle.
As the Belgian rain has been pouring (read in Southern European tears), we’ve taken the time to read Draghi’s report from cover to cover and bring you our thoughts. But before we dive in, let’s raise a glass to hitting 50,000 followers on LinkedIn! First time in our META newsletter? Fasten your seatbelt—it’s going to be a bumpy ride! 🎢
📝 EU DRAGhiS ITS FEETS
The highlights. Draghi’s report paints a well-known picture: the EU lags behind its global peers on investment and innovation, while the bloc’s economy is stifled by high energy prices. To mind the gap, the EU must invest up to 800 billion euros extra a year, roughly 4.7% of GDP—more than double the post-WWII Marshall Plan! Draghi says this funding should come from both private and public sources, backed by a business-friendly industrial strategy. “Less red tape, less regulation”—you know how that goes…
The question mark. Should the EU lower environmental and social standards to outcompete China and the U.S.? This won’t be only economically unsound but will further fuel geopolitical tensions. To combat deindustrialisation in critical sectors and ensure lasting prosperity and economic resilience, EU leaders must focus on a coordinated industrial policy that prioritises fair partnerships, quality green jobs and the highest environmental and social standards. Getting into a subsidy race with the US or a trade war with China will benefit no one.
The good. We agree with part of Draghi’s analysis: more public investment and innovation is needed to speed up the green transition, which will bring energy prices down and make our economies resilient. But the end goal shouldn’t be productivity growth—it must be a liveable planet underpinned by a wellbeing economy.
The ugly. Let’s hope that the clean industry plan that von der Leyen is set to announce during her first 100 days in office won’t be a deregulation gift to polluters. Draghi’s report pushes several false narratives serving the worst transition laggards, like claiming PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”) restrictions hinder rather than spur innovation or the need to put nuclear power—too expensive and too slow for the climate—on equal footing with renewables. Read our full reaction.
⏳️ EU STATES, EU LAGGARDS
Bad pupils. Despite the huge effort to turn the Green Deal goals into tangible legislation, the EU capitals seem to be playing the lazy buggers. This week’s State of the Energy Union report shows every single Member State is falling short on renewables and energy efficiency. Yes, all of them. Climate action isn’t hitting the ground fast enough.
Stricter vigilance. This is a reminder that legislation alone doesn’t make change happen—we need better monitoring, enforcement, and guidance of EU green policies. At the EEB, we’re calling for the creation of task forces to evaluate and report on the progress of national efforts to meet renewables, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction goals. If the EU wants to get the ball rolling, it needs to implement better strategies to track national progress on energy, nature restoration, and pollution.
🌎 NO REPRIEVE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS
Another bloody year. In 2023, nearly 200 environmental defenders were killed worldwide, according to a new report. These individuals, driven by an extraordinary commitment to safeguard their homes, communities, and the planet, face growing violence and injustice, often linked to mining. We stand with Global Witness in demanding urgent and united action to end this violence.
Shirking civic space. It’s crucial that we acknowledge and support the vital role communities and Indigenous Peoples play in protecting our planet, ensuring a just and inclusive transition for all. But the threats faced by environmental defenders are spreading across the global north too, with governments suppressing climate protest through harsh measures, while hypocritically criticising similar tactics employed by authorities in the global south.
No climate justice without social justice. In happier news, the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals released a report emphasising the need to uphold human rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and trade justice in mineral supply chains for the energy transition. This is a welcome step to achieving equity and justice throughout the entire value chain. We urge all actors to move beyond words and take concrete action. Implementing these recommendations will require equitable and inclusive approaches that heed the voices of those most affected!
👂 IN OTHER NEWS
US climate pain. The presidential debate left climate-conscious viewers scratching their heads. Kamala Harris praised clean energy investments but also celebrated record-high fossil gas production—a curious contradiction for an administration that joined global pledges to move away from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, Trump dodged the climate question entirely. With the U.S. being one of the largest historic polluters, the real question is: will they save the planet while championing fossil fuel production? 🤪
Insufficient EU transparency. Last year, the EU Commission decided to abruptly remove the work contact details of all the staff below the Head of Unit level from their directory ‘Whoiswho’. From civil society, we argued that this decision affects the quality of our work and involvement in policymaking. This week, the Ombudsman backed our position, rebuking the Commission for taking this decision without consulting the affected parties. The Commission’s refusal to respond to the call of Civil Society and the Ombudsman continues to fuel concern among CSOs about transparency and the risks of unequal access to the Commission at all levels.
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🚀 FOLLOW US
We know you want to. We’ve just hit the 50k follower milestone on LinkedIn! This year, we’ve also grown our digital community by joining Instagram and TikTok. Stay connected and follow us for the latest green updates and our work across the EU and beyond. Don’t miss out!
By: Alberto Vela. Special thanks to Ruby Silk, Andreas Budiman, Annick Hus, Ben Snelson, and Roi Gomez. Editor: Christian Skrivervik
