Stakeholders join Commission to brainstorm for sustainable development
Environmental stakeholders (including businesses, trade unions, non governmental organisations and academics) have joined representatives from the European Commission and the Member States to stress the need for a clear strategy for sustainable development in Europe. Meeting at a joint public hearing in Brussels on the Commission's consultation paper on the European Union strategy for sustainable development, published in March, each group was able to put their opinions to the Commission ahead of its contribution to shaping the Commission's final proposal for the forthcoming environment talks at the Gothenburg Council on 15 and 16 June. All stakeholders underlined the importance of mutual understanding between scientists and citizens, as elucidated in the Commission's own consultation paper: 'A clear understanding of the state of knowledge and its limits is necessary for renewed confidence in science as an input for policy, and for responsible management of emerging risks,' reports the Commission. 'Science and technology policy should also support independent scientific evaluations of the advantages and potential dangers of new products and techniques, and fund research that is too risky or costly for the private sector.' And, it adds, sustainable development strategy 'depends critically' on people's behaviour and governments must do more to educate and inform citizens. 'Actions by business and citizens are therefore critical,' it says. In the paper, the Commission warns against complacency amongst European citizens. The average European might be healthier, richer, better educated and living longer than ever it says, 'but these positive developments should not blind us to a number of potential threats. Some do not have the means to share in these new economic opportunities, and risk being left behind. There is also growing awareness that we are putting increased pressure of the carrying capacity of our planet,' it reports in the consultation paper. 'If policy-makers create the right conditions and encourage citizens and businesses to integrate environmental and social considerations in all their activities, policies for sustainable development will create many win-win-win situations, good for the economy, employment and the environment.' It highlights the need to focus on the biggest challenges to sustainability, both in the EU and accession countries. Basing its appraisal on the criteria of severity, their long term nature and the European dimension, it identifies these as: climate change; potential threats to public health; increased pressure on vital natural resources; poverty and social exclusion; the ageing population; congestion and pollution. Acknowledging the complex nature of these problems, the Commission recommends a multidisciplinary approach to problems whose roots straddle several policy areas. And it calls for sustainable development to be placed at the heart of all policy decisions. 'Better policy integration, relying on a systematic and transparent review of the costs and effects of different options, is crucial so that different policies reinforce each other, and trade-offs are made by informed decisions, and environmental and social objectives are met at least by economic cost.' The Commission is convinced that moves towards sustainable development require action at European level, which will become increasingly important with enlargement. And while it is clear that sustainable development is a global concept, the Commission believes it must put its own house in order and provide international leadership at the Gothenburg summit. 'We have to act at European level in order to act at a global level,' David O'Sullivan, Secretary General of the European Commission, concluded at the Brussels consultation meeting. The Commission received a wealth of feedback on its paper from: environmental organisations, consumer organisations, civil society groups, churches, trade unions, business, the financial sector, social organisations, the energy sector, transport and environment organisations, the farming sector and local authorities. All have urged the Commission to commit itself wholeheartedly to sustainable development, with some urging the Commission to go further than it has already on the consultation paper. The European environmental advisory councils, for example, says that a lack of coherence in the EU's existing policies acts as a major barrier to achieving a new concept of sustainable development. 'Notable examples include perverse subsidies given under the Common agricultural policy and Structural funds' it reports. 'Fundamental transformation in policies will therefore be required.' The same group also stresses the importance of a strong research base for a sustainable development strategy, which once adopted, 'must be monitored continuously and...reviewed at regular intervals.' Friends of the Earth adds that it believes the current position paper lacks 'strong vision' and calls for the Gothenburg council to identify objectives, targets, timetables and concrete measures to establish a process that will continue after the summit. 'The sustainable development strategy must become as important as the common market of the Euro,' it says. Summing up the consultation proceedings, Brigitta Boström, State secretary of the Swedish environment ministry, said, 'A long term approach to sustainable development needs to be interwoven into the long term development of the country...Growth must not be at the cost of a burden on the environment. Environmental policy is an important driving policy to growth. This is different to the past when it was seen as limiting. 'Europe will have to act now. There is no point in waiting for others,' she added, alluding to the US administration's recent withdrawal from the Kyoto treaty. 'Gothenburg is not the end, Gothenburg is going to put sustainability on the long term agenda of the EU heads of state.'