Policy highlights, April 2012
- European Policy Centre (January 2012) | Green revolution: making eco-efficiency a driver for growth.
Excerpt from the executive summary:
“The economic crisis poses tremendous challenges for Europe and it is well-acknowledged that in order to exit the crisis, Europe must find ways to renew itself.
It needs new sources of growth. This Issue Paper, written by Annika Ahtonen with Serban Chiorean-Sime, argues that eco-efficiency should and could be an important part of the solution, and the EU cannot afford to wait. Using resources more efficiently throughout our economy, recognising their value as the basis of well-being and economic growth, and developing and taking into use resource-efficient, low-carbon products and services are the foundation for a more sustainable economy. Eco-efficiency can boost businesses’ productivity and competitiveness on the global market. It can help the public sector to improve its finances. It can bring significant gains for European citizens, ranging from jobs to health benefits. It can stimulate interest in the European project. And it can help to deepen the internal market, which is Europe's main driver of competitiveness, security of supply and sustainability. Eco-efficiency has the potential to become the next European success story, while helping to deliver the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy’s objectives of driving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.”
- European Commission. “Growth for Greece”. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Central Bank, the European and Social Committee, the Committee of the Region and the European Investment Bank. Strasbourg, 18.4.2012
Selected excerpts of environmental interest:
“Investment in new facilities or projects is subject to delays and costs resulting from regulatory and administrative barriers involving many authorities. Land-use planning and environmental licensing rules are often cited as obstacles to investment. Companies operating in the energy sector, distribution and logistics and transport sectors are the worst affected.” (p. 7)
“The widespread deployment of renewable energy sources requires a comprehensive reform of the support scheme. To attract the necessary investment the framework will have to adhere to the principles of cost-efficiency and financial stability. To exploit its comparative advantage Greece is placing special emphasis on the development of solar and wind resources. With investor confidence restored, a competitive renewable energy sector can develop across the value chain. The contribution of the sector to economic growth could be additionally increased by the HELIOS initiative. It should start by launching a few large-scale photovoltaic installations, initially for domestic consumption, but as the project scales up and as transmission capacity becomes available exports to the rest of Europe should be pursued, helping other Member States to achieve their 2020 goals cost-efficiently.” (p. 34)