Mario Draghi's important message for Europe: Out of necessity, the future of Europe must be a journey towards federalism. But, however desirable a true federation would be, it would require political conditions that do not exist today. And the challenges we face are too urgent to wait for them to emerge. A new, pragmatic federalism is therefore the only viable path forward. This is a federalism that is issue-based, flexible and able to act outside the slowest mechanisms of EU decision-making. It would be built by coalitions of the willing around shared strategic interests recognising that Europe’s diverse strengths do not require every country to move at the same pace. This is a federalism that is issue-based, flexible and able to act outside the slowest mechanisms of EU decision-making. It would be built by coalitions of the willing around shared strategic interests—recognising that Europe’s diverse strengths do not require every country to move at the same pace. Imagine countries with strong tech sectors agreeing on a common regime that enables their firms to scale rapidly. Nations with advanced defence industries pooling R&D and funding joint procurement. Industrial leaders co-investing in critical sectors such as semiconductors, or in grid infrastructure that lowers energy costs. This pragmatic federalism would allow those with higher ambitions to act with the speed, scale and intensity of other global powers. And just as importantly, it could help renew the democratic momentum of Europe itself. Because opting in would require national governments to secure democratic support for specific shared goals, it would become a bottom-up construction of common purpose—not a top-down imposition. All those who want to join could do so—while those who seek to block progress would no longer be able to hold others back. In short, it offers a confident vision of Europe—and one that citizens can believe in. A Europe where young people see their future. A Europe that refuses to be trampled on. A Europe that acts not out of fear of decline, but out of pride in what it can still achieve. We must offer this vision if Europe is to renew itself. And I am confident that we can.