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Draghi Urges European Unity Amid Global Threats

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank chief, received the Charlemagne prize on January 17, 2026, for promoting European unity.
In his acceptance speech, Draghi warned that Europe faces unprecedented threats and that unity is needed to respond.
He called for greater economic integration to compete with the United States and China.
German MP Armin Laschet echoed the call, urging Europe to boost competitiveness for security.
Draghi's 2024 EU competitiveness report included 383 recommendations for common regulation and reducing red tape.

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Story summary

Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank chief, received the Charlemagne prize on January 17, 2026, for promoting European unity.
In his acceptance speech, Draghi warned that Europe faces unprecedented threats and that unity is needed to respond.
He called for greater economic integration to compete with the United States and China.
German MP Armin Laschet echoed the call, urging Europe to boost competitiveness for security.
Draghi's 2024 EU competitiveness report included 383 recommendations for common regulation and reducing red tape.