Nearly two years after the publication of the Draghi Report, Europe faces a crucial question: is its renewed focus on competitiveness beginning to deliver tangible results? The report's central diagnosis was that Europe's productivity performance has fallen behind that of its global competitors, putting long-term growth and prosperity at risk. While the competitiveness agenda spans a wide range of policy areas, innovation and productive investment are widely recognised as two of the most important drivers of stronger productivity growth and economic dynamism.
In a discussion paper to be released at the event, we take stock of developments in these two areas since the publication of the report. Looking across the EU, major Member States and key sectors, we assess whether recent trends point to a meaningful strengthening of innovation capacity and investment activity, or whether the gap between ambition and implementation remains substantial. While focusing on innovation and investment, we also consider the broader policy environment shaping outcomes in these areas, including factors such as regulation, financing conditions and market integration. The discussion will explore where progress is becoming visible, where obstacles persist, and what further action is needed to unlock Europe's long-term growth potential.

The event will proceed as follows:

• Presentation of the BDI discussion paper by Frederik Lange, Deputy Director for Economics, BDI (10 min.)
• Comments and perspectives on the outlook from:
  Declan Costello, Director-General of the Task Force for Recovery and Resilience (SG-REFORM), European Commission (10 min.)
  Dr. Nicolas End, Chief Economist, Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) (10 min.)
• Open discussion on the outlook and policy measures (45 min.)

Dr. Klaus Deutsch, Director of Economic Policy at the BDI, will moderate the event. The discussion will be held under the Chatham House Rule to ensure an open and constructive exchange.