The economic crisis and global issues as climate change could provide new business opportunities, new markets and new jobs, if Europe is able to make the step to eco-efficient economy. This is what I have concluded the European Ministers for Competitiveness at an informal meeting held in Sweden on 14 and 15 October. Organized by the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council, the meeting was a continuation of the discussions that took place in July between the Ministers for Energy and Environment Ministers. In line with the Lisbon strategy and the technologies and green industries, which are the basis for creating prosperity and jobs for decades to come, the ministers stressed that the future EU Strategy for Growth and the ' Employment is expected to have as a central point of the transition to an eco-economy. The speakers insisted that the transition should begin immediately, because the longer we wait, the more costs go up. Europe risks losing the benefits of growth in the international market if the initiative will first be adopted by other economies. Exploit the environmental and economic challenges current to recharge its batteries economic, could create significant benefits and new opportunities for the European Union. In addition, an eco-efficient growth would lead to consuming fewer natural resources. To achieve these goals - has said the meeting - is a new approach for a wide range of industries. Many industries have great potential for the development of an eco-friendly approach, among them those of efficient technologies for energy and resources, renewable energy, environmental technology, information technology and telecommunications (ICT) and sustainable transport. One of the most important steps towards eco-economy is the creation of market conditions and fair trade, and this will help the international agreement on climate change should be approved in December in Copenhagen. The meeting also talked about an international price on carbon as an important incentive to invite markets to invest in green technologies. He also discussed the central issues for moving towards an eco-economy, including the need to explain to businesses and industry growth potential of this economy and the commitment to research, innovation, development and creation new related products. Other important tools are their rules for contracts public and specific operating greener. Were also mentioned in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which represent 99% of all EU companies. Given their influence and critical mass, it is important to provide SMEs with the right conditions to facilitate their transition towards eco-efficiency. Among the obstacles to be overcome on the road to eco-economy, there are institutional barriers and bureaucracy, insufficient funding for eco-processing companies and the lack of awareness about how to make the transition.
Source: Cordis
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