The following topics are the focus of a better future for entrepreneurs and the rest of the world's population, according to
Business Europe. 1. Get out of the crisis Despite the fact that the recession will come to an end, we will face challenges. In late 2010, the unemployment rate will increase to 10 percent and private investment will have fallen by 15 percent compared to 2008. Now, it is time for politicians to undertake reforms. Businesses need access to finance to invest again. The financial markets must be stabilized and structural reforms must be accelerated if we are to achieve a sustainable economic recovery.
2. Manage an aging population The economic upswing will not last if the companies do not have a sufficiently skilled workforce. As the European population gets older, it creates a demand for new products and services in Europe. From 2010 it will be a reduction in the working population, with a loss of over 3 million potential workers in 2020 and over 50 million years 2060.
If the EU continues to ignore this trend we will lose jobs, business opportunities and growth. Europe is already suffering a deficit in scientific and technological knowledge. Aging will exacerbate the imbalance between people's skills and those needed on the labor market. We are facing an enormous competition in the global race to grow, attract and retain talents.
3. Climate change In order to combat climate change, we need a variety of innovative products and services, as well as significant changes in production and consumption patterns. The Society needs help and all countries must do their fair share of action. However, climate change is also a possibility. The global market for low carbon and environmentally friendly goods and services is expected to grow to over € 4.8 trillion in 2015. The European industry is the world leader in low carbon and environmentally efficient technologies. Through continuous product development, it helps others to reduce emissions in Europe and worldwide.
4. Ensure availability of energy and raw materials EU depends on imports for most commodities and is the largest importer of gas and oil. As world consumption is increasing due to growth in emerging markets, it also increases the pressure on commodities. Access to raw materials is crucial for the manufacturing of technologically advanced products. If Europe wants to develop a wide range of innovative products in green technology and clean production, a fair access of raw materials from the global market must be ensured.
5. Strengthen Europe's role in the global economy Europe is the world's largest exporter of manufactured goods and services and Europe's prosperity depends heavily on trade, which accounts for 15% of GDP. Exports will become even more important in the future as growth is increasing outside Europe.
Average GDP growth 1980-2008 reached 2.2% in Europe, 2.3% in Japan, 2.9% in the U.S. compared to 6.3% in the newly industrialized economies and 7.4% in developing countries in Asia.
Europe's economic strength at home depends on its competitiveness in the rest of the world. We should therefore not be satisfied with the performance in the global economy. Emerging countries are increasing their share of world trade while the EU reduces its stake. It is estimated that the EU no longer will be the world's first exporter in 2025.
What also is worrying is that the EU has made significant losses on some key markets such as India and Russia. These problems are most important to address in order to achieve a better result.
Cecilia Helland