EU strategy for green growth published

The Commission published its 2020 strategy for sustainable growth this month, a set of initiatives that replaces the Lisbon strategy. The 2020 strategy sets five targets that should be achieved within the next decade in order to meet Europe’s energy and climate goals.
 
The Environment Council discussed the EU 2020 Strategy on 15 March 2010. The Ministers welcomed the Strategy and the fact that environment and climate change objectives were one of its priorities. Some delegations wish for these elements to be strengthened in the strategy. Delegations highlighted the added value in terms of growth and jobs that could be derived from all aspects of environmental protection.

Many underlined that resource efficiency and sustainability are crucial to reach the EU's climate targets but also to improve its competitiveness and ensure energy security. Ministers agreed that integrating environmental concerns into other policies would be the best way of achieving the targets, while acknowledging the importance of market tools and the full use of financial cohesion instruments and regional policy.

The Energy Council also discussed the Strategy on 12 March 2010. A debate followed a presentation of the Strategy by EU Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger. The Strategy was well received by the Energy Council. The Presidency will draw conclusions from these debates and present them to the European Council via the General Affairs Council on 25-26 March 2010.

The 2020 Strategy is likely to be formally adopted by the Council in June.

The EU’s 2020 Strategy can be found here:
http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/pdf/COMPLET%20EN%20BARROSO%20%20%20007%20-%20Europe%202020%20-%20EN%20version.pdf