Achieving climate-neutral objectives established at European and international levels, such as in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal, needs broad-based support and cross-departmental policy development at national, regional and local levels.
Ivailo Kalfin begins his mandate as Executive Director of Eurofound today, having been approved by the Eurofound Management Board on 5 March and presenting his priorities for the position to the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee on 13 April.
COVID-19 has left many people jobless, furloughed and financially vulnerable, often feeling isolated and pessimistic. It has become clear that the status quo is no longer sustainable or desirable. The political and economic response needs to take these changed attitudes into consideration.
Europe’s economy, and particularly the economy of rural Europe, may have it all to gain from a low-carbon transition, but getting everyone on board could turn out to be the greatest challenge.
The successful transition towards a low-carbon economy, as defined by the Paris Climate Agreement, is projected to result in a 1.1% growth in GDP, and a 0.5% growth in employment, in the EU between now and 2030. This is compared to a ‘business as usual’ baseline forecast.