Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has issued a clear warning during the Charlemagne Prize ceremony: the EU must prepare for a scenario where the United States no longer guarantees security as before, and China is not a reliable alternative. This new reality forces Brussels to rethink its strategic dependencies and global role.
Technological sovereignty: the challenge of manufacturing without depending on anyone 🔧
Draghi's warning directly impacts sectors such as microchips, batteries, and defense. Europe depends on Asia for advanced semiconductors and on the U.S. for military software. Without a competitive domestic industry, any geopolitical shift leaves the EU disarmed. Initiatives like the Chips Act are steps forward, but insufficient if local production is not accelerated and bottlenecks in critical raw materials are not reduced.
Europe discovers Uncle Sam no longer offers security on a silver platter 🌍
Draghi basically said: folks, we've lost the American umbrella, and the Chinese one won't lend us another. So we have to make do with what we've got. Meanwhile, Brussels debates whether the mandatory USB-C charger is enough to demonstrate sovereignty. Perhaps the next step will be an army with interchangeable batteries and a panic button with a European seal.