| Author (Person) | Christie, Ian |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Green Alliance |
| Publication Date | 1999 |
| Content Type | Textbook | Monograph |
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Book abstract: This pamphlet is published by Green Alliance, one of the UK's foremost environmental charities, in association with Demos, an independent think tank. The author argues that the European Union has outlived its post-war vision of peace, stability and plenty on a ravaged continent. These aims have been achieved, even surpassed, and the EU now needs a new mission to cope with the new challenges of enlargement, globalisation and environmental degradation. As it faces the next century it must revitalise itself with a vision which will enable it to command consensus and deliver real gains in quality of life. Sustainable development is identified as providing such a vision. The fundamental justification for putting sustainable development at the heart of EU policy is that none of Europe's achievements can be secured for future generations without it. The integrated European market cannot thrive in the long run, it is argued, without greater ecological health and social cohesion, which means tackling the basic EU 'deficits'. Ian Christie puts forward a set of proposals designed to make the vision of sustainable development for Europe a reality. A strategy to achieve this would include: ensuring effective integration between the Commission directorates-general, pushed by strong leadership on sustainability from the top; identifying the need for experimentation rather than the rigid 'Europe of rules' approach which stresses harmonisation and one-speed development and levelling the playing field between economic and environmental objectives. Further issues include the elimination of perverse subsidies, investment in 'green collar' jobs and new taxes on energy and pollution. The latter would be ploughed back into investments benefiting vulnerable regions. A network of Sustainable Future Centres across Europe would promote learning and exchanges of best practice. Ian Christie puts a strong argument forward, aiming to inspire all those who take an interest in the political debate on Europe's future and thus create a force for change. |
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| Subject Categories | Environment, Politics and International Relations |
