Brussels, 25/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - Convinced that environmental technologies may not only safeguard natural resources and improve the quality of life but also boost competitiveness, economy and employment, the European Commission hopes to develop, by end 2003, an action plan to promote the development of "environmental technologies" in the Union. To this end, it invites all parties interested - scientists, business, governments, NGOs - to identify the obstacles that slow down the development of such technologies the importance of which was recently stressed by the European Council for achieving sustainable development goals under the Lisbon strategy.
The communication entitled "developing an action plan for environmental technology" adopted on Tuesday by the Council, kicks off this consultation. The Commission invites comments by 15 May, to contribute to preparation of the action plan.
"We already know that there are environmental technologies unable to penetrate the market because of a number of technical, economic, regulatory and social barriers. I want the experts in the development, production and use of environmental technologies to share with us their experience about how we can overcome these barriers", Margot Wallström, Environment Commissioner, explains in a press release.
Philippe Busquin, Research Commissioner, adds: "Without Europe's pioneering research, the existence of the environmental innovations we enjoy today could be in question. To ensure that we further benefit from the economic, social and environmental gains inherent in these technologies, it is vital that we invest in this area of research. The consultation and the Action Plan should foster the take-up of clean technological applications and production processes".
For more ample information consult: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/research/eesd.html
Replies must be addressed to: European Commission - Environmental Technology Consultation - DG Environment - rue de la Loi 200 - B-1049 Brussels. E-mail: env-technology@cec.eu.int