Europe faces a historic opportunity. We need to reimagine European unity as a collective endeavour, as the only way in which we can turn threats to our way of life into the possibility to create a better life for all. This report focuses on three core areas where EU-wide political ambition and investment are truly necessary: Rapid technological change amid increasing global competition Increasing breakdown of the global climate and other ecosystems due to our economic system Growing threats to social cohesion and social sustainability from multiple trends Competitiveness, sustainability and inclusion have to be addressed together, holistically. This is why this report addresses all three with a focus on the complex interlinkages between them. The vital role of far-sighted investment is a key theme that emerges from this investigation. The critical role of European-level collaboration is another. Instead of merely adapting to change, we need to be proactive through timely reform and investment that sets us on a pathway towards a society that is productive, sustainable and inclusive, by design.

Selected Issues

Does Europe have an inequality problem? Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many Europeans are certainly struggling. The rise of populist movements is another signal that something is awry. Many Europeans no longer see their economy as fair. But is this a problem of too much inequality, or just a problem of ideology? Is inequality even a bad thing? We need to consider the statistics on economic inequality, but also look beyond towards the lived experience of trying to make ends meet. We need to consider different ideas on the impact and significance of the inequality we see. Does inequality drive entrepreneurship, and thus innovation, through the struggle for upward social mobility? Or does inequality affect life chances, becoming entrenched, blocking social mobility and innovation? And does anyone really need a billion euros? If we have a euro to spare, do we create more happiness by giving it to the rich or to the poor? An old, once infamous, now oft-forgotten question in economics. Tessa Bending conducts research on social inclusion, social development and impact measurement at the Economics Department of the European Investment Bank (EIB). The department provides indepth analysis on critical investment issues to support international policy debates. This is the sixteenth essay in the Big Ideas series created by the European Investment Bank. The EIB has invited international thought leaders and experts to write about the most important issues of the day. These essays are a reminder that we need new thinking to protect the environment, promote equality and improve people's lives around the globe.

The conservation of water resources together with environment protection will be a challenge for the European Union within the 21st century. Water management nowadays involves the cooperation of farmers, societies, industry and public administration. The solution based model of water protection in this book describes the creation of local water partnerships by local actors and stakeholders for the management of local water resources. These local water partnerships will enable the integration of the local community to comprehensively solve problems related to water security, while also cooperating with neighbouring partnerships. The local water strategy is based on local needs and priorities with reference to regional, national and global objectives. This strategy also provides for environment and species protection, as envisioned by the New Green Deal and the current EU actions to make the key economic sectors more resistant to climate change. The model for water protection can also be used to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental transformation within Europe.

The consensus is clear - climate change is the defining challenge of our time. Meeting this challenge requires a collaborative and inclusive response from all segments of society - including private businesses. What role then for competition law and policy? This important and timely book gathers academics, enforcers, economists, lawyers, and industry representatives to explore the applications and limitations of EU competition law in achieving environmental sustainability aims in line with the European Commission's Green Deal as well as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. They identify the challenges of integrating environmental considerations into competition analysis presented by the existing framework, whether through cooperation by businesses, practices by dominant companies, or consideration of sustainability efficiencies in merger assessments. Practical examples across various sectors are also provided, alongside agency views from different jurisdictions, to illustrate how competition policy can facilitate a sustainable economy.

The Global Security Strategy launched in June 2016 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Federica Mogherini, is key to addressing global pressures in a world undergoing continuous transformation and change and in which this 27-member state political system strives not only to adapt but also to play a more decisive role, now and in the future, on the global agenda. This book aims to introduce readers to the theory and practice of the EU’s External Action, which is based on the principles and values that guide it and that it aims to promote throughout the world: democracy, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, solidarity, respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law. And, specifically, it aims to introduce readers to the intricacies of EU policy and its role in the Mediterranean, bringing them closer to a comprehensive analysis of the links between the Union and its southern neighbours, with a special focus on the European Neighbourhood Policy and the impact of energy supply and the environment on security and defence. The reflections presented here aim, through the dissemination of the results of the main activities of the Jean Monnet Module “ThEUMed”, to draw the attention of EU policymakers on the southern border of the Union in order to strengthen common understanding between its Member States on the issues of the South and with the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries to address new challenges in the fields of cooperation and international security and defence in the region. Thus, they include the observations of the main members of the academic team of the project and two course graduates. We hope not to leave readers indifferent and that they enjoy reading this volume.