Commission launches consultation on sustainable industrial policy
The European Commission has launched a consultation on sustainable consumption and production and sustainable industrial policy. Contributions to the consultation will be used by the Commission to prepare Action Plans on these topics. In a background document to the consultation, the Commission notes that current patterns of consumption and production are leading to the rapid depletion of natural sources, such as oil reserves and fish stocks, as well as causing major environmental degradation. Although new technologies mean that new products are more and more efficient, these gains are being offset by increasing consumption. 'To meet this challenge, there is a need for advancement in technological development and in innovation,' the Commission writes. 'We also need to change our consumption patterns.' The Commission aims to develop a sustainable industrial policy which will have at its heart the concept of turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities for society. The key environmental issues identified by the Commission are climate change and a low-carbon economy; sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, energy and materials; and the phasing out of hazardous substances and endangered materials from production processes and products. According to the Commission, the Action Plans will take into account competitiveness, energy, environmental and social aspects. The consultation will focus on five key areas where the Commission believes progress can be made. Top of the list is 'leveraging innovation'. Here the Commission mentions the European Institute of Technology, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and the Seventh Framework Programme as instruments which could contribute to boosting innovation. The Joint Technology Initiatives, which bring together EU and industry funding, and the Article 169 instrument, which pools national funds, are highlighted as important tools for mobilising both private and public funds. The Commission also calls for 'more and closer' cooperation between research, higher education and business. In addition to this, the Commission notes that its Lead Market Initiative, which it will table in December, could also contribute to environmental protection objectives. Other areas highlighted for action include creating a dynamic internal market for better performing products; cleaner production; smarter consumption and global markets.