From Letta to Draghi

In Europe, we all needed what Mario Draghi offered us last week. In the 400 pages of his report on the future of European competitiveness, he first reminded us of the values on which it was founded and for which the European Union deserves to exist. He presented to us its condition and position in the world, with the courage and energy of thought of one who has served the bloc from its highest positions. He enlisted rationality to articulate and support some radical propositions that enable us to respond to contemporary challenges. And, a few days after his 77th birthday, with the optimism of solid knowledge, in times darkened by fear and superstition, he assured us that we can do it. We just have to do what we must.

Gone are the days when Europe rested its prosperity on the US nuclear umbrella, Russia's cheap natural gas and China's expansionary economic policy...