The European Union is currently experiencing a period of transition, prompted by the need to exit from the economic crisis, the changes brought about by the Lisbon treaty and the introduction of a number of new initiatives to strengthen the EU for future challenges.

The broadest of these initiatives is the recently published Europe 2020 Strategy, “A European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”. One of the five concrete targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy confirms the existing objective to increase European investment in R&D to 3% of GDP. It places focus on impact rather than input, through improving the conditions for private R&D expenditure and enhancing the throughput to innovation. As the first of its seven “flagship initiatives”, the EU 2020 strategy proposes to build an “Innovation Union” to strengthen the foundations for R&D and innovation on an EU and national level. The strategy also focuses on sustainable growth, increasing competitiveness, combating climate change and producing clean energy.

Europe 2020 Strategy paper, section on the Flagship Initiative “Innovation Union”
The Competitiveness Council and EU Vice-President Tajani have recently introduced ideas for a new industrial policy, with emphasis on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation. The objectives include the intensification and better coordination of EU efforts in research and innovation, with the expectation that the Commission’s upcoming Research and Innovation Plan should support solutions to major societal challenges. The Council requested that the Commission introduce a Strategy for Clean and Energy Efficient Vehicles, stressing the importance of research and innovation in improving the performance and viability of such vehicles. EUCAR has issued a written statement to the Commission on this strategy.

Transport is one of the major EU industrial and commercial sectors and is also an essential pillar of EU economic and social activity. The European Commission, in consultation with the EU institutions and other stakeholders, is currently compiling a White Book on EU transport policy for the next decade, to be issued in early 2011. In discussions and communications on this subject, the need for enhanced mobility to provide both for social and economic needs has been emphasised, whilst reducing impact on the environment and a safe and secure transport system for all its users.

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