Italian President Sergio Mattarella renewed agreement on supporting Ukraine, advocating for a single EU voice for Kyiv, while the name of Mario Draghi is again circulating for a potential envoy role.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders emphasized strong bilateral relations and signed multiple agreements. The visit highlighted their alliance while also revealing some perceived limits to their partnership, particularly regarding a major gas deal.
Grand Duke Guillaume and Jean-Claude Juncker were present at the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in Aachen, where Mario Draghi was honored. Grand Duke Guillaume wore the medal his grandfather Jean received in 1986.
Mario Draghi was honored with the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, where he delivered a speech emphasizing the need for Europe to be more assertive globally and unite to face new geopolitical realities. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis also spoke at the ceremony, praising Draghi's support for Greece during its crisis.
Reports suggest that former European 'heavyweights' like Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi, and Sauli Niinistö are being considered as potential EU representatives for peace negotiations with Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the leaders called for a "multi-polar" world order and criticized the US. While they praised their "unshakable foundations," a key gas pipeline agreement timeline was not finalized.
Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi has been honored with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize. The award recognizes his contributions to European unity and cooperation.
An analysis suggests that the European Central Bank must re-establish boundaries for its monetary policy, following Mario Draghi's 'Whatever it takes' pledge which saved the Euro but created unsustainable expectations. The next ECB president faces the challenge of reining in these expectations.
Brussels is reportedly changing its rules for company mergers and acquisitions, with discussions suggesting an influence from economist Mario Draghi's competitiveness report. The changes aim to stimulate innovation and create competitive businesses.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed doubts to Commission President von der Leyen about peace negotiations in Ukraine, fearing the Kremlin may only wish to engage with the US, while suggestions arise for Merkel or Mario Draghi to mediate peace talks amidst continued EU division on Moscow.
Politico reports that the European Union is considering former leaders Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi, and Alexander Stubb as potential negotiators with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Former ECB president Mario Draghi, receiving the Charlemagne Prize, stated that the EU must be more assertive with the US under Trump, emphasizing that Europe is "truly alone together" regarding security.
A 2024 report by former ECB President Mario Draghi details the struggles of European industry, attributing its ailments to chronic regulations, a lack of innovation, and high energy costs.