EESC assesses the reports by Draghi and Letta.

In February, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) made an Assessment of the reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta on the competitiveness of the European single market. The EESC fundamentally agrees with the content of both reports on how to strengthen the single market and the economy of the European Union (EU). In its assessment, the EESC focuses on what it considers to be the most urgent areas for investment. For the EESC, this includes social infrastructure, as competitiveness is not possible without social cohesion and solidarity.

Two reports – one goal

The 2024 reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta provide the European Commission with strategic guidance to ensure Europe's economic stability and prosperity. Both reports propose specific measures, such as an increase in investment and a reduction in administrative costs. The two reports differ in the assessment of expenditure in the social sector. While the Letta report emphasises the importance of social cohesion, the social security system and social investment, the Draghi report considers social spending such as pension expenditure - which does not directly contribute to an increase in competitiveness - to be an obstacle to Europe's competitiveness. 

Focus of the EESC's assess­ment

In its assessment, the EESC generally agrees with the reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta and their respective comments. It points out that both reports establish a close link between the single market and economic, social and territorial cohesion (Letta report) and between the competitiveness of the EU and the European social model (Draghi report). Against this backdrop, the EESC warns that the Draghi report in particular may underestimate the impact that investment in social infrastructure to support social, redistribution, and employment policy has on the EU's competitiveness.

Demand for specific invest­ments

The EU must act decisively to prevent stagnation and strengthening competitiveness. The EESC therefore calls for targeted investment in key areas such as education and training, research, healthcare, social housing and digital infrastructure. The EESC particularly emphasizes that investment in social infrastructure is of key importance. In its assessment, it refers in this context to the Conclusions of the Val Duchesse Social Summit, which reaffirmed the importance of social dialogue for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Other proposed measures

In addition to specific investment requirements, the EESC also proposes to pursue legislative initiatives to address shortcomings in the protection of labour rights in the workplace with regard to the advancement of artificial intelligence. According to the EESC, the EU must play an active role in advancing global economic change. The EESC therefore calls on the EU to take targeted action to adapt the single market to geopolitical and demographic changes, to reduce dependence on supply chains and to focus on strengthening strategic industries.