Draghi’s “Pragmatic Federalism” Offers a Path to Revitalize the European Union
The future of the European Union hinges on a willingness to embrace flexible integration, a concept recently championed by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. While not a novel idea, this “pragmatic federalism” – essentially, allowing coalitions of the willing to pursue shared goals at varying speeds – is increasingly seen as indispensable for navigating the Union’s complex challenges and securing its long-term viability.
The concept, reminiscent of a “Europe with concentric circles or multi-speed Europe,” has been a recurring theme in European academic circles for years. It was notably discussed at a conference in Rome organized by Il Sole 24 Ore, featuring a presentation by Professor Giampaolo Rossi. As Draghi articulated, this approach recognizes that “the different forces in Europe do not require every country to move at the same pace.”
This pragmatic approach, he argues, would empower nations with greater ambition to act with the “speed, scale, and intensity of other global powers.” Crucially, it could also reignite democratic momentum within Europe, as participation in these focused coalitions would necessitate securing national democratic support for specific, shared objectives. A recent analysis by The Brussels Newsletter highlighted the significance of Draghi’s renewed push for this model.
However, the current political landscape presents a significant hurdle. One observer noted that realizing this project with the present cohort of European leaders appears unlikely. This is particularly true as the Union contemplates expansion to over thirty member states, a scenario that would exponentially increase the difficulty of achieving consensus. Despite this, maintaining the idea’s visibility is paramount, as it may prove crucial should the Union face further fragmentation – a possibility, though not a probability, according to sources.
It is vital, therefore, to foster ongoing discussion, secure support from influential figures, and encourage continued technical analysis of potential implementation mechanisms. But the debate cannot remain confined to academic institutions. It must reach citizens, and those who support the vision must actively advocate for it. A recent pro-EU demonstration in Italy, while lacking a concrete program, demonstrated a nascent public desire for a stronger Union, and similar grassroots initiatives, however small, are encouraging.
The EU is currently navigating a period of crisis, characterized by compromises made to circumvent obstacles raised by nations like Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy. This reactive approach, one analyst suggests, is unsustainable and risks leading to a complete impasse, if not already there. The gap between ambitious rhetoric from the European Commission and concrete action is widening. The European defence project, intended to bolster collective security, is, in fact, seeing decision-making authority revert to the national level, a trend observed in other sectors as well.
The onus, therefore, falls on citizens to take ownership of the Union’s future. As Draghi emphasized, citizens must resist the allure of nationalist leaders – often described as authoritarian, short-sighted, and even incapable – and demand that governments listen to their concerns. The “new Europe,” a concept debated for decades, must be actively demanded by its citizens, pushing for a more integrated and responsive Union.
