Europe in 2025

 

The model of decisive, reliable and transparent governance

Policy Recommendations

We are beginning to track our Vision 2025 starting on 15 January 2010.

Secure full implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy by:

This overall assessment is based on the following four recommendations.

Clearly distinguishing short term goals for completion during the term of office of the new European Commission, and long-term goals for completion beyond 2015.

ERT Comment

The Commission's annual Work Programmes outline yearly actions, but there is no mid-term programme outlining targets for achievement by the end of the current Commission term. (last updated December 2011)

Ensuring that all actors are committed to the achievement of the objectives

Ensuring that all actors are committed to the achievement of the objectives and have the necessary implementation powers enabling them to guarantee timely delivery of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

ERT Comment

The Europe 2020 Strategy currently represents the best available programme to move the EU back onto a growth path. The 'European semester' should be used in a determined manner to drive implemnentation at national level. (last updated December 2011)

Taking flanking measures to build trust

Taking flanking measures to build trust, in particular by putting in place policies to address re-training and education, and ensuring a continuous dialogue between institutions, industry and civil society.

ERT Comment

The Europe 2020 Strategy incorporates the existing 'New Skills for New Jobs' as a flagship initiative. Implementation of this agenda is crucial. (last updated December 2011)

Engaging the business community in an open and constructive dialogue

Engaging the business community in an open and constructive dialogue to identify, as early as possible, expected trends and requirements in relation to market developments, changing demand, expected skills requirements and all other issues that can improve the foresight in policy making.

ERT Comment

There are numerous examples of sectoral engagements, often at national level, but there is no evidence of a comprehensive EU-wide engagement. (last updated December 2011)

Review the EU approach to competition policy

Review the EU approach to competition policy, strengthening the role of investment, efficiencies and innovation. Ensure that the merger control regime supports the necessary consolidation needs of European industries to create strong European players while maintaining fair competition in the Single Market.

ERT Comment

The outcomes of recent EUMR cases highlight that the EU merger review process remains burdensome. In particular, detailed and costly econometric assessments may be required, even in cases where these are not strictly warranted, as a pre-requisite to establishing that a proposed deal will not result in significant impediments to effective competition. In addition, the Commission's tough line on securing "clear cut" remedies may result in disproportionate concessions from merging parties where apparent concerns remain: the negative impact of over-divestment, particularly in terms of impact on efficiencies, is not addressed. (last updated December 2011)

Modernise the approach to regulation

Modernise the approach to regulation by basing regulatory decisions on a sound economic analysis, taking into account effects on innovation and investment with a positive impact on sustainable economic growth. Ensure that regulatory principles are consistent with the principles of EU competition law. Under a smart regulatory approach, it is important to opt for the regulatory instruments that are most appropriate for the achievement of the pursued policy objective. Direct regulation should only be resorted to where effective competition cannot be ensured, for example where market failures exist.

ERT Comment

The new Commission flagship initiative on industrial policy for the globalisation era includes the proposal for competitiveness proofing of new legislation. This is a welcome development. However, a systematic approach to impact assessments is required to provide the necessary sound economic analysis for regulatory decisions. (last updated December 2011)

Ensure coherence of energy and climate change policy development

Ensure coherence of energy and climate change policy development within the European Commission.

ERT Comment

There is a lack in alignment between the Low Carbon Economy Roadmap and the Energy 2050 Roadmap. (last updated December 2011)