“Strategy” means to have a target and
a way to reach it. Does Europe have a strategy? The answer is,
surprisingly,YES.
It’s called the “Lisbon Strategy”, the aim to make the EU “the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world. Capable of sustainable growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion and respect for the environment by 2010” EU Council, Lisbon, March 2000. Some people say this target is too wide, some say it’s the wrong one, others, that it is not achievable. But the one thing in which everybody agrees: we won’t make it by 2010. 2020 or 2025 look more reasonable.
Being pragmatic, let’s not dwell on the past eight years already spent on the Lisbon Strategy, but focus on how best we can achieve its aims. In order to do this we have to look at the positive aspects and build on our strengths. Firstly: Since 1943 Europe has become a relatively peaceful continent. Considering how we used to kill each other, this is a great achievement.
Secondly: We have the eldest, most inclusive and diverse education system in the world.
Thirdly: Environmentally, we are leading the way and making ambitious targets.
Countries like Germany, Sweden and Denmark have already faced issues that US and China will soon have to deal with. Peace, Education, Environment: this is what Europe can teach the world. Peace is the fundamental need of any stable economy. Education, the fundamental need of any innovative knowledge-based economy. These together with well designed environmental policies, are the three key elements in strengthening Europe’s economic performance. I think the Lisbon Strategy is on the right path. We have only to be more focused, more persistent and proud of what we have already achieved. Europe; the home of culture, Europe; the place to study, Europe; an expert on peace. Education, education, education; the key for a new European Renaissance.
It’s called the “Lisbon Strategy”, the aim to make the EU “the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world. Capable of sustainable growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion and respect for the environment by 2010” EU Council, Lisbon, March 2000. Some people say this target is too wide, some say it’s the wrong one, others, that it is not achievable. But the one thing in which everybody agrees: we won’t make it by 2010. 2020 or 2025 look more reasonable.
Being pragmatic, let’s not dwell on the past eight years already spent on the Lisbon Strategy, but focus on how best we can achieve its aims. In order to do this we have to look at the positive aspects and build on our strengths. Firstly: Since 1943 Europe has become a relatively peaceful continent. Considering how we used to kill each other, this is a great achievement.
Secondly: We have the eldest, most inclusive and diverse education system in the world.
Thirdly: Environmentally, we are leading the way and making ambitious targets.
Countries like Germany, Sweden and Denmark have already faced issues that US and China will soon have to deal with. Peace, Education, Environment: this is what Europe can teach the world. Peace is the fundamental need of any stable economy. Education, the fundamental need of any innovative knowledge-based economy. These together with well designed environmental policies, are the three key elements in strengthening Europe’s economic performance. I think the Lisbon Strategy is on the right path. We have only to be more focused, more persistent and proud of what we have already achieved. Europe; the home of culture, Europe; the place to study, Europe; an expert on peace. Education, education, education; the key for a new European Renaissance.