Europe 2020 strategy: Three flavours of growth (priorities)

Like Phoenix, from the ashes of the Lisbon strategy Europe rises on the wings of the EU 2020 strategy, we are told. The European Council, which in today’s Europe has taken the place of the Delphic oracle, endorsed the following priorities at its spring meeting:

The new strategy will focus on the key areas where action is needed: knowledge and innovation, a more sustainable economy, high employment and social inclusion.

Conclusions of the European Council 25/26 March 2010 (document EUCO 7/10; page 2)


The Commission proposal used a few more words in its summary to describe the three flavours on its growth menu (page 5):

Europe 2020 puts forward three mutually reinforcing priorities:

– Smart growth: developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation.

– Sustainable growth: promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy.

– Inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion.

Commission: EUROPE 2020 - A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; Brussels, 3.3.2010 COM(2010) 2020 final (35 pages)


At least this far, kitchen chef Barroso had succeeded in designing a menu modern in outlook and pleasing to each palate.


The priorities, together with the headline targets and promised flagship initiatives, were then presented in more detail from page 10.




Ralf Grahn