Mario Draghi “is probably the most interesting name” in the race for the next president of the European Council. The analyst Mujtaba Rahman writes it on the European edition of the portal Politico" in an editorial that takes stock of potential candidates to succeed Charles Michel. The Belgian politician's experience, as “Politico” writes, “was a failure”. “This has led to a growing sense that the Council would be best led by a politician at the end of his political career, one who has stature, a clear European identity and, according to senior EU officials, 'will not be guided by the titles of newspapers'. Draghi's profile would fit this framework and help restore the balance between the EU's two most powerful institutions. As they say in Brussels: when relations work well, the Commission has the power, the Council the authority,” the article reads.

However, “as always, EU leaders will not want to be overshadowed by someone of Draghi's importance”. From this perspective, Rahman quotes a senior EU official as asking the question: “Draghi would control the agenda. But who will control Draghi?”. The other problem of the former Prime Minister “is that he is politically non-aligned, and in the tribal power politics that dominates decision-making in Brussels, this represents a serious handicap for his chances, especially since the socialists clearly want to position I recommend one of them,” Rahman continues.

“However, what is seen as Draghi's biggest disadvantage is what should be of most concern: the substantive prospect he represents, in particular his explicit support for greater common EU borrowing to address the geopolitical challenges facing the Europe is facing. Although the idea of ​​additional EU debt has gained traction in recent months, it will likely prove too much for Germany and other northern EU members,” the analyst further notes.

According to Rahman, a possible failure in the nomination of Draghi to the presidency of the European Council would suggest "that the EU's geopolitical, competitiveness and defense agenda for the period 2024-2029 will not have the strength it might otherwise have . Without a more credible financing plan – and given continued opposition to the seizure of Russian state reserves – there is no clear answer as to how the bloc intends to help finance Ukraine beyond 2027, the country's eventual reconstruction, or more generally strengthen the EU's security and defense architecture in light of the challenge posed by Russia". “Regarding competitiveness, for example, the recent Antwerp Declaration is effectively a revisitation of the EU's existing objectives: zero net emissions, safety of raw materials, completion of the single market and promotion of innovation. These vague and repackaged commitments will not provide the competitive boost that European economies so desperately need. It was the approach 'Whatever it takes' by Draghi to save the eurozone. And EU leaders should show the same spirit to counter the existential challenges the bloc faces once again,” concludes Rahman.