Progress Report on the renewed Sustainable Development Strategy

The renewed Sustainable Development Strategy, which was adopted by the European Council in June 2006, addresses seven main challenges: climate change and clean energy; sustainable transport; sustainable consumption and production; conservation and management of natural resources; public health; social inclusion, demography and migration and Global Poverty

According to Commission's first Progress Report on this new Strategy, the EU and its Member States are shifting policies towards long-term sustainability. However, even if there is increasing convergence between this Strategy and the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, in order to obtain the necessary results on the ground, action to turn around persistent unsustainable trends must be significantly stepped up.

The Report confirms moreover that Europe must implement its climate change policies and markedly increase the use of alternative energy; take bolder steps towards environmentally friendly transport; increase efforts to halt biodiversity loss; and continue to lead in the fight against poverty both in Europe and the world.

Commission President, José Manuel Barroso said that the EU has made significant progress by working in partnership with member states. However, this report shows that more needs to be done to bequeath a healthy planet and a healthy society for future generations

For more information on the report:
http://ec.europa.eu/sustainable/welcome/index_en.htm