European UnionEuropean Union(27 Nations)(27 Nations)

PopulationPopulation 491 million491 million

Growth RateGrowth Rate 0.12%0.12%

Land AreaLand Area 4,324,782 sq km4,324,782 sq km

Annual GDPAnnual GDP $14.38 trillion$14.38 trillion

The CIA World Factbook 2008The CIA World Factbook 2008

EU Sustainable EU Sustainable Development Strategy Development Strategy

(2006)(2006)

ObjectivesObjectives

1. Environmental Protection2. Social Equity and Cohesion3. Economic Prosperity4. Meeting International

Responsibilities

PurposePurpose

PrinciplesPrinciples

• Promotion and protection of fundamental rights

• Solidarity within and between generations

• Open and democratic society• Involvement of Citizens• Involvement of Businesses and Social

Partners

Principles (continued)Principles (continued)

• Policy coherence and governance• Policy integration• Use best available knowledge• Precautionary principle• Make polluters pay

ComprehensiveComprehensive

1. of large scope;

covering or involving

much; inclusive

2. comprehending mentally;

having an extensive mental range or

grasp.

ChallengesChallenges

• Energy Security• Air Quality• Climate Change• Coastal Erosion• Waste

Management

Energy ConsumptionEnergy Consumption

Energy ConsumptionEnergy Consumption

Air PollutionAir PollutionPercentage of urban population resident in areas for days per year with PM10 concentration exceeding daily limit value, EEA member countries, 1996-2005 (EEA)

Air PollutionAir PollutionPercentage of urban population resident in areas where pollutant concentrations are higher than selected limit/target values, EEA member countries, 1996-2005 (EEA)

Climate ChangeClimate ChangeObserved and projected changed in the overall Kyoto gasses and all greenhouse gasses, expressed in CO2-equivalents (IPCC, 2007a, partly based on IPCC, 2001).

Coastal ErosionCoastal Erosion

Source: Eurosion, 2004.

Waste ManagementWaste ManagementGeneration of packaging waste and GDP in the EU-15 (Eurostat, 2007)

Aging PopulationAging Population

Source: Eurostat

Projected Old-Age Dependency Ratio

EurostatEurostat

• Develops and monitors sustainable development indicators for the European Union

• Based on 7 key priority areas

Key Priority AreasKey Priority Areas

Climate Change and Climate Change and Clean EnergyClean Energy

Objective: To limit climate change and its costs and negative effects to society and nature.

Climate Change and Climate Change and Clean EnergyClean Energy

TargetsTargets

• Kyoto Protocol• RPS of 15% by 2015• Energy End-Use Efficiency and

Energy Services Directive– Achieve 9% overall saving of final

energy consumption over 9 years until 2017

Total Greenhouse Gas Emission Total Greenhouse Gas Emission and Kyoto Protocol Targetand Kyoto Protocol Target

Source: European Environment Agency, Eurostat

Total EU-15 Greenhouse Gas Total EU-15 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and ProjectionsEmissions and Projections

Source: European Environment Agency

EU-27 Share of Renewables in Gross EU-27 Share of Renewables in Gross Inland Energy Consumption (%)Inland Energy Consumption (%)

Note: Other renewables, including solar, do not appear in the figure as they represent less than 1% of the total.

Source: Eurostat

Sustainable TransportSustainable Transport

Objective: To ensure that our transport systems meet society’s economic, social and environmental needs whilst minimizing their undesirable impacts on the economy, society and the environment.

Sustainable TransportSustainable Transport

TargetsTargets

• Public passenger transport services framework by 2010

• New car fleet should achieve CO2 emissions of 140g/km by 2008/09

• Cut road deaths in half by 2010 compared to 2000

Energy Consumption of Transport Energy Consumption of Transport and GDP in 2005 by Countryand GDP in 2005 by Country

Source: Eurostat

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transport (million tonnes of COTransport (million tonnes of CO2 2

equivalent)equivalent)

Source: European Environment Agency, Eurostat

Average COAverage CO2 2 Emissions from Emissions from New Passenger Cars New Passenger Cars

(grams of CO(grams of CO2 2 per kilometer)per kilometer)

Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment

Source: European Commission, CARE (Community Database on Road Accidents)

Road Accident FatalitiesRoad Accident Fatalities

Sustainable Consumption Sustainable Consumption and Productionand Production

Objective: To promote

sustainable consumption and production patterns

Sustainable Consumption Sustainable Consumption and Productionand Production

TargetsTargets

• By 2010, achieve EU average level of Green Public Procurement equal to that current best performing Member State

• EU should increase global market share of environmental technologies and eco-innovations

EU-15 Resource Productivity Over EU-15 Resource Productivity Over Time (index 2000=100)Time (index 2000=100)

EU-25 Consumption Expenditure of EU-25 Consumption Expenditure of Private Households by CategoryPrivate Households by Category

Source: Eurostat

Conservation and Conservation and Management of Natural Management of Natural ResourcesResources

Objective:To improve management and avoid

overexploitation of natural resources, recognizing the value of ecosystem services.

Conservation and Management Conservation and Management of Natural Resourcesof Natural Resources

• Restore ecosystems by 2015 in line with Johannesburg Plan (2002) and the Maximum Yield in Fisheries by 2015

• Contribute to a significant reduction in the worldwide rate of biodiversity loss by 2010

• Contribute to the achievement of the United Nations global objectives on forests by 2015

TargetsTargets

Proportion of Fish Catches Taken Proportion of Fish Catches Taken from Stocks Outside of Safe from Stocks Outside of Safe

Biological Limits (%)Biological Limits (%)

Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, ICES

EU-27 Forest Removals EU-27 Forest Removals (million m(million m33))

Source: Eurostat

Common Bird Index Common Bird Index (Index 2000=100)(Index 2000=100)

Source: EBCC/RSPB/BirdLife/Statistics Netherlands

Public HealthPublic Health

Objective: To promote good

public health on equal conditions and improve protection against health issues.

Public HealthPublic Health

TargetsTargets

• Improve food and feed legislation• Tackle suicide risks• By 2020, chemicals (including

pesticides) should be produced, handled, and used in ways that do not pose significant threats to human health and the environment.

EU-15 Healthy Life-Years EU-15 Healthy Life-Years and Life Expectancyand Life Expectancy

Standardized Death Rate Standardized Death Rate Due to Chronic Disease Due to Chronic Disease

(per 100,000 people)(per 100,000 people)

Source: Eurostat

Standardized Suicide Death Rate Standardized Suicide Death Rate by Country by Country

(per 100,000 people)(per 100,000 people)

Source: Eurostat

Production of ToxicsProduction of Toxics

Social InclusionSocial Inclusion

Objective:To create a socially inclusive society

by taking into account solidarity between and within generations and to secure and increase the quality of life of citizens as a precondition for lasting individual well-being.

Social InclusionSocial Inclusion

TargetsTargets

• Reduce people at risk of poverty by 2010• Develop an EU migration policy• By 2007, young people who leave school

should be offered employment within six months or by no more than four months in 2010

EU-25 at-risk-of-poverty rate EU-25 at-risk-of-poverty rate (a) by gender and (b) by age (%)(a) by gender and (b) by age (%)

Source: Eurostat

Early School-Leavers (%)Early School-Leavers (%)

Source: Eurostat

Global Poverty and Global Poverty and Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development

Objective:To actively promote sustainable

development worldwide and ensure that the European Union’s internal and external policies are consistent with global sustainable development and its international commitments.

Global Poverty and Global Poverty and Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development

Global Poverty and Global Poverty and Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development

TargetsTargets

• International commitments including the Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development, and the Doha Development Agenda

• Raise the volume of aid from Member States to 0.56% of GNI by 2010 and 0.7% by 2015

Net MigrationNet Migration

Source: Eurostat

Old-Age Dependency Ratio (%)Old-Age Dependency Ratio (%)

Source: Eurostat

EU-25 age-related Public Spending EU-25 age-related Public Spending (% of GDP)(% of GDP)

Source: Economic Policy Committee, indicator subgroup (ISG) and working group of aging populations (AWG)

EU-15 EU-15 Official Development Assistance Official Development Assistance

(% of gross national income)(% of gross national income)

Source: OECD

Official Development Official Development AssistanceAssistance

Source: OECD

EU-27 Imports from Developing EU-27 Imports from Developing Countries by Income Group Countries by Income Group

(billion euro)(billion euro)

Source: Eurostat

SystemicSystemic

1. of or pertaining to a system.

2. Physiology, Pathology.

(a) pertaining to or affecting the

body as a whole. (b) pertaining to

or affecting a particular body

system.

Policy InstrumentsPolicy Instruments

European Union Green Plan

Implementation

Member State

Communication

EnvironmentalLegislation

Researchand

Development

Financing andEconomic

Instruments

InternationalAgreements

Education and

Training

Better RegulationBetter Regulation

• Promoting the design and application of better regulation tools at the EU level, notably simplification, reduction of administrative burdens and impact assessment.

• Working more closely with Member States to ensure that better regulation principles are applied consistently throughout the EU by all regulators.

• Reinforcing the constructive dialogue between stakeholders and all regulators at the EU and national levels.

Today’s Europe moves quickly. To face up to the challenges we face inside and outside Europe, policies, laws, and regulations need to adapt to the fast pace of technological change, to foster innovation, to protect the welfare and safety of Europeans.

Lisbon StrategyLisbon Strategy

• The Lisbon Strategy, adopted by the European Council in 2000, works within the EU SDS framework.

• The focus of this strategy is to increase competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation.

Lisbon StrategyLisbon Strategy

The purpose of the Lisbon Strategy is to make the EU “the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment by 2010.”

Environmental Technology Environmental Technology Action Plan (2004)Action Plan (2004)• Getting from Research to Markets

– Increase and Focus Research, Demonstration and Dissemination

– Technology Platforms– Environmental Technology Verification

• Improving Markets Conditions– Performance Targets– Mobilisation of Financing (grants and loans)– Market Instruments– Green Public Procurement– Awareness Raising and Training

• Acting Globally– Supporting Eco-technologies in Developing Countries,

and Promoting Foreign Investment

Impact Assessment (IA)Impact Assessment (IA)

• All major policy decisions made by EU institutions must undergo an IA, assessing the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

Aalborg CommitmentsAalborg Commitments

1. Increased participatory democracy2. Effective management cycles3. Equitable access to natural common goods4. The prudent and efficient use of resources5. Urban planning and design6. Sustainable mobility choices7. Health and wellbeing of citizens8. Vibrant local economy9. Inclusive and supportive communities10.Global responsibility for peace, justice, equity,

sustainable development and climate protection

Sustainable Cities and Sustainable Cities and Towns CampaignTowns Campaign

• Launched in 1994• Campaign partners provide

guidance, project ideas and tools.

• Regional and local sustainable development initiatives are awarded on an annual basis.

Sustainable Cities and Sustainable Cities and Towns CampaignTowns Campaign• The Campaign is

now encouraging cities and towns to sign the Aalborg Commitments

• As of 2008, over 2,500 localities had signed the Commitments

Environment Action Environment Action ProgramProgram

• The 6th Environment Action Program (6EAP) was adopted in 2002.

• Program horizon is 2012.

Purpose of the 6EAPPurpose of the 6EAP

The Environment Action Program “indicates priorities for the environmental dimension of the Sustainable Development Strategy and should be taken into account when bringing forward actions under the Strategy.”

Stavros DimaStavros DimaCommissioner for the EnvironmentCommissioner for the Environment66thth EAP Mid Term Review EAP Mid Term Review

“…global emissions of greenhouse gases are rising, the loss of biodiversity is not yet under control, pollution is still harming public health and volumes of waste are increasing in Europe. The Commission is committed to fully implement the current Environment Action Programme in order to make significant progress towards tackling these issues.“

“…global emissions of greenhouse gases are rising, the loss of biodiversity is not yet under control, pollution is still harming public health and volumes of waste are increasing in Europe. The Commission is committed to fully implement the current Environment Action Programme in order to make significant progress towards tackling these issues.“

Vision of the 6EAPVision of the 6EAP

A high level of quality of life and social well-being for citizens [and] an environment where the level of pollution does not give rise to harmful effects either on human health or on the environment. (Objectives of DG Environment)

Principles of the 6EAPPrinciples of the 6EAP

Subsidiarity Decoupling between economic

growth and environmental pressuresPolluter paysPrecautionary principleRectification of pollution at source

Eco-LabelEco-Label

“EU flower” is awarded to non-food productions of high quality, showing compliance with specific criteria, after verification from an independent third party.

IntegrativeIntegrative

1. to bring together or incorporate

(parts) into a whole. 2. to make up,

combine, or complete to

produce a whole or a larger unit, as

parts do. 3. to unite or

combine.

Private SectorPrivate Sector

• Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme (ECAP) helps businesses comply with environmental regulations

• LIFE+ program provides funding for projects that support ECAP

Private SectorPrivate Sector

• European Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)– Supports awareness and knowledge of

corporate social and environmental responsibility and accountability should be increased.

Eco-Management and Eco-Management and Audit SchemeAudit Scheme

Voluntary environmental management system implemented by companies from all sectors of economic activity to evaluate, report on and improve their environmental performance.

Eco-Management and Eco-Management and Audit SchemeAudit Scheme

AccountableAccountable

1. subject to the obligation

to report, explain, or justify

something; responsible; answerable.

2. capable of being explained; explicable;

explainable.

Progress ReportProgress Report

• The European Commission will submit a progress report every two years.– The report is to include future priorities,

orientations and actions.

• At the latest by 2011, the Council will decide when a comprehensive review is necessary.

Peer ReviewsPeer Reviews

On a voluntary basis, officials and stakeholders from other Member States will review national sustainable development strategies.

Public Survey (2006)Public Survey (2006)

• Public internet survey was included in the 2006 mid-year review.

Public Survey (2006)Public Survey (2006)

• 35.7% of those surveyed stated that they were “well informed” on EU environmental policy.

Public Survey (2006)Public Survey (2006)