In every political capital, the gap between rhetoric and reality is wide. But in Brussels, a new standard has been set for this kind of political vaporware, with the launch of the Europe 2020 Strategy.
For those who missed it, on March 3 the European Commission released a fairly concise report outlining its vision for Europe over the next decade.
Remember, this is from the same people who, at the turn of the new Millennium, grandly announced a 10-year vision called the Lisbon Strategy – to make Europe the most competitive economy in the world, with full employment, by 2010. They doubled the rhetorical bet in 2002 with a further pledge to double Europe’s R&D spending to 3 per cent of gross domestic product. Fairy tales, all (R&D spending, for instance, is still stuck below 1.9 per cent, and 31 per cent of those between ages 20 and 64 are not working.) So it is with considerable scepticism that we read the latest set of New Decade’s resolutions.
First, a straight summary. The Commission proposes to the EU governments (subject to confirmation this Spring) a 10-year strategy to achieve “smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.” Translation: more innovation, more green policies, and a rise in employment and education across the EU. It will achieve this through setting five targets, and proposing seven ‘flagship’ programmes (three goals, five targets, seven programmes; the Commission has a Medieval fascination with numerology.)
To read the full, original article click on this link: Science|Business Europe 2020: Let them eat words
Author: Richard L. Hudson
