Discussing climate change policy instruments for energy-intensive sectors in the European Union

In March 2000, European Union (EU) heads of states and governments agreed on making the EU ‘the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion’. To achieve this goal, an overall strategy should be applied, aimed at preparing the transition to a knowledge-based economy and society by better policies for the information society and research and development (R&D), as well as by stepping up the process of structural reform for competitiveness and innovation and by completing the internal market; modernizing the European social model, investing in people and combating social exclusion; and sustaining the healthy economic outlook and favourable growth prospects by applying an appropriate macro-economic policy mix.