A year after his competitiveness report, Mario Draghi returned to the European Parliament with a clear message: "Our growth model is fading. Vulnerabilities are rising. There is no apparent method to financing the necessary investments." Draghi, a figure recognized in the United States for his renowned "whatever it takes" stance, which, as president of the European Central Bank, saved the euro during the debt crisis, has played a significant political role in Italy over the years. He served as the government's leader from 2021 to 2022, during a critical period of the pandemic and the initial economic repercussions of the war in Ukraine. Consequently, his return to Europe goes far beyond mere technical analysis: it is the voice of one of the most respected leaders in the European scene. The former Italian prime minister recalled that "a year ago, we discussed three challenges: Europe's growth model was under pressure; dependencies threatened its resilience; and without faster growth, Europe would be unable to achieve its climate, digital, and security ambitions—not to mention financing its aging societies. Each of these difficulties has grown in severity during the last year". Draghi's assessment is particularly negative, ranging from trade issues with the United States and China to Europe's rising reliance on crucial raw commodities and foreign defense. Domestically, investment needs have soared: "The ECB now anticipates that the annual investment requirements for 2025-31 will be nearly €1.2 trillion, a significant increase from €800 billion a year ago. The public's share has nearly doubled, from 24% to 43%". Draghi criticized the EU's tardy decision-making: "Citizens are dissatisfied with how slowly the EU is progressing. They believe we are incapable of matching the rate of change elsewhere. They are prepared to act, but they fear that governments have failed to recognize the gravity of the situation". He continued, "Too frequently, inertia is portrayed as respect for the rule of law. This is complacency. Continuing as usual means accepting that we will be left behind". Hence the call for fundamental change: "In order to ensure the survival of Europe, we must refuse to be impeded by self-imposed limitations and take action that has never been done before". A message that, in its aims, also addresses the other side of the Atlantic: Europe, according to Draghi, must be able to remain a reliable partner of the United States, rather than a weak link in the Western chain.