Turn setback into comeback
This month, we have taken over the full cover of POLITICO Europe. The optical illusion on the front page is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a small change in perspective to see things differently. As Denmark holds the EU Presidency, we invite Europe to look again. Explore the message we share across the POLITICO wraparound edition on this page.
A matter of perspective
From one angle, Europe’s challenges seem overwhelming: slowing growth, declining competitiveness, layers of regulation. Old alliances are fading, and the way forward is uncertain.
Distortion becomes direction. What first looked like fracture becomes a framework for renewal. This is Europe’s moment to look again. Not just at the crises we face, but at the possibilities hidden within them. Europe must break free from the constraints we’ve placed on ourselves. By changing our perspective, we can uncover new pathways: faster approvals, simpler rules, stronger markets. Massive investments in competitiveness, security, and innovation. Denmark holds the EU Presidency at a turning point for Europe. The optical illusion on the front page is an invitation to turn setback into comeback. If governments, businesses and civil society look through the same lens, Europe can reinforce its place in the world. As a trusted partner, a hub of innovation, a force for competitiveness.
One year after Draghi, the urgency has only increased - yet Europe has barely moved
Only 11 percent of the recommendations from the Draghi report have been fully delivered. European companies stand ready to invest in new capacity, green technologies and innovation. But too often, Europe’s framework conditions
hold them back. We cannot afford another year of hesitation.
- Source: European Policy Innovation Council, “Draghi Observatory
Implementation Index: Only 1 in 10 measures implemented,”
September 2025.
Five facts that show the challenge
• Since 2000, Europe has accumulated an
investment gap of €4.8 trillion compared to the
United States.
- Source: Mario Draghi, “The Future of European
Competitiveness – Report to the European Commission”,
September 2024.
• Approvals take too long: 453 days for medicines
in Europe versus 333 in the United
States. In the EU it takes 7 years to approve a
microbe that can replace chemical pesticides.
In the US and Brazil, this takes 2-3 years.
- Source: European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries
and Associations (EFPIA), “Patients W.A.I.T. Indicator”, 2023
and IBMA, 2024.
• Energy costs remain high compared to competitors.
- Source: BusinessEurope: “Reform Barometer”, March 2024.
• Europe invests less in research and development
compared to global competitors.
- Source: Mario Draghi, “The Future of European Competitiveness
– Report to the European Commission”, September 2024.
• Regulatory burden is growing: 13,000 new EU
legal acts were introduced between 2019 and
2024.
- Source: Danish Industry, EUR-Lex database (2019–2024).
Foundations for a comeback
History shows that when Europe is tested, it delivers.The Single Market remains one of our greatest strengths, capital and capabilities are in place, and policy momentum is building. The foundations for a comeback are here, if we choose to act.
This is the comeback moment
Europe has the people, the market and the technology. What is missing is the political will to deliver on competitiveness. Turning setback into comeback
requires decisions:
Strengthen Europe’s industrial and security backbone
Competitiveness cannot thrive without security. To restore Europe’s strength, the EU must reinforce its industrial capacity, geopolitical influence and defense capabilities. Europe needs a robust and innovative defense industry, resilient supply chains and secure access to critical raw materials
Cut red tape and accelerate approvals
Simplify rules, reduce administrative burdens and halve approval times for new products. Predictable regulation will unlock capital and create jobs. Make the green transition Europe’s growth engine Competitiveness and the green transition go hand in hand. By investing in green solutions, energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and sustainability, Europe can position itself as a global leader in green technology and attract investments and talent to the region.
