Brussels, 29/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Commission recently published a consultation paper containing its initial reflection on the sustainable development strategy that will be adopted by the European Summit in Gothenburg. The document identifies the major trends that pose a threat to sustainable development in the EU - climate change, potential health threats, pressure on vital natural resources, poverty and social exclusion, the ageing of the population, and traffic congestion. It proposes a range of instruments aimed at: a) better integration of sustainable development concerns in all policies; b) the concentration of policies on long-term management and on ambitious and verifiable objectives; c) the establishment of indicators; d) economic reform to create new markets and internalise costs of pollution in services and products; e) education and information to business and to citizens.
At this stage no specific objective and no concrete measure has been announced. A hearing will be organised on 26 and 27 April with the Economic and Social Committee. Consultation will end on 30 April.
The document may be consulted and comments sent to the following address: http: //http://www.europa.eu.int/Comm/secretariat_general/index_en.htm.