Economic growth is not an end in itself. An economy must work for the people and the planet. Climate and environmental concerns, technological progress and demographic change are set to transform our societies profoundly. The European Union and its Member States must now respond to these structural shifts with a new growth model that will respect the limitations on our natural resources and ensure job creation and lasting prosperity for the future.

The European economy has successfully left the years of financial crisis management behind. While it is now in its seventh year of consecutive growth, external and geopolitical prospects are dimming, uncertainty is running high and Europe looks to be heading towards a period of subdued growth and low inflation. […]