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European brands account for at least 70 % of the global high-end goods market. And while high-end products are usually associated with fashion, the sector consists of a wide range of products and services: cars, yachts, furniture, wines, spirits and more. The European Commission is committed to ensuring Europe’s high-end sector continues to thrive. Full story
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By finding common ground and shared incentives, the European Commission and China are working together to improve industrial efficiency. Having already agreed on numerous cooperation themes, this collaboration will increase market access and decrease greenhouse gases. Full story
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An international communication campaign is currently highlighting the diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty that Europe has to offer at any time of the year. The ‘Europe – Whenever you’re ready’ campaign, which will run from the end of 2012 until December 2013, reminds tourists to discover the old continent and enjoy the travel experience of a lifetime. Full story
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Despite the ongoing effects of the global economic crisis, European Union Member States have made good progress towards strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of their industrial sectors. That said, there is still work to be done. And in an effort to facilitate reform and policy learning, the European Commission has released a new Industrial Performance Scoreboard. Full story
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Despite the rise of developing industrial powers, the European Union remains the world’s biggest exporter, as well as the No. 1 target for foreign direct investment. The European Commission’s annual ‘European Competitiveness Report’ details how the EU has stayed on top and what the Commission is doing to make sure it stays there. Full story
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By 2020, it is estimated that the Ecodesign Directive will save 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions within the EU – this is comparable to the Emissions Trading Scheme's (ETS) anticipated contribution to carbon dioxide reductions in 2020. In addition to the 13 existing and 20 forthcoming ecodesign measures for products, over the next two years the European Commission will adopt measures for Business to Business (B2B) products, such as professional refrigeration, electricity transformers, industrial furnaces and ovens, and air-conditioning and ventilation. There are also plans to include ‘energy-related’ products in the ecodesign strategy: products which do not directly use energy themselves, but promote energy saving. Full story
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Tourism has a huge impact on the EU economy affecting up to 14 million jobs. A 2012 survey offers an interesting insight into the preferences of European tourists and shows that 73% of the EU respondents plan to travel this year. Full story
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The Sustainable Industry Low Carbon Initiative, or SILC, helps European energy-intensive manufacturing industries fuse economic and environmental goals by capitalising on greenhouse gas emission efficiency. As an EU grant scheme, SILC promotes the development of innovative measures to reduce carbon intensity and to create new markets and jobs. The objective is to ensure Europe’s industrial competitiveness whilst combating climate change. Full story
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Socially responsible businesses play a crucial role in achieving sustainable economic growth through generating consumer confidence and positively contributing towards society’s well-being. Supporting responsible entrepreneurship is an EU priority, as a recently adopted package of measures demonstrates. Full story
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By rewarding tourist areas which pursue a sustainable development path, the EDEN initiative boosts awareness of Europe's touristic diversity and quality, and helps to spread good practices. The 2011 edition focused on the regeneration of physical sites which were converted into tourism attractions and catalysts for wider local regeneration: join us for a tour of excellence. Full story
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Europe needs more growth and jobs but these cannot come at the expense of the environment. That is why an effective industrial policy needs to embrace resource efficiency. Two recent studies provide a valuable insight into the progress that has been made in Europe, and the opportunities that exist for future sustainable growth and job creation. Full story
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Natural resources are vital for our economy and for sustaining our quality of life, but there is growing recognition that our current pattern of consumption is unsustainable. The European Union has responded with a number of initiatives to ensure that European business leads the way towards a more resource efficient future and the topic is high on the political agenda. An interesting example is provided by the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), which finances several projects in this field, thus showing the variety of challenges that can be met by improving the use of resources. Full story
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Medieval alchemists sought to turn copper into gold. Even though modern-day chemists focus their research on different objectives, the compounds and materials they produce are truly awe-inspiring and are the bedrock upon which one of Europe’s most important, innovative and competitive industries is built. As the sector is now facing the realities of a new decade, the European Commission has taken initiatives to encourage all involved actors to join forces to boost the competitiveness of the European chemicals industry and to fully use its potential to resolve the societal challenges identified in the Europe 2020 strategy. Full story
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European space policy is at a turning point, with the Lisbon Treaty providing a new legal basis for action in this domain. Following a high-level conference in October, E&I magazine takes a tour of European space initiatives, a source of inspiration and innovation, and a powerful means of stimulating growth and improving the quality of people's lives. Full story
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'Social tourism' may not be a concept that all Europeans are familiar with yet. But it is already a growing phenomenon, which the European Commission has been promoting for both its social and economic benefits. Now the EU is investing in new projects to develop cross-border low-season tourism opportunities. The Calypso initiative aims to open up new horizons for younger and older travellers, disabled people and low-income families, while creating new jobs and business opportunities during quieter times of the year. Full story
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Europe is the world's top tourist destination. In order to maintain this lead amid changing global circumstances, the European Commission has released a policy strategy which signposts 21 actions on the path to a more competitive and sustainable 21st-century European tourism sector. Full story
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is good for society, the environment and business. That is why the European Commission is working to promote it in various industrial sectors. Full story
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Green technology and eco-innovative solutions are vital to the EU's future sustainability and competitiveness. The European Commission has launched a €35-million call for project proposals under its eco-innovation scheme, which aims to transform environmental challenges into new business opportunities. Full story
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E&I magazine meets Antonio Tajani, the EU's new Industry and Entrepreneurship Commissioner, and finds out about his priorities for his term in office, his ambition to marry industry with the environment, and how he intends to use his portfolio to help the European economy to be smart, green and inclusive. Full story
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The adoption of the revised Ecodesign Directive makes it possible to set requirements on all products which affect energy consumption during use, not just those which consume energy directly. Its implementation will ensure Europe continues to lead the world in improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a more sustainable future for industry and citizens alike. Full story
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Europe's urban planners have new tools to ensure that towns and cities grow and prosper not only sustainably but also safely. Urban Atlas, a digital mapping tool launched this year, offers reliable and comparable urban planning information delivered through the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security's (GMES) services. With full operability foreseen for 2011, the tool has potential applications in several fields, including a deeper understanding of climate change. Full story
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A new report examines the EU economy sector by sector, and country by country, to identify the major drivers, patterns and trends in European competitiveness. Full story
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The latest European Competitiveness Report examines the factors which help or hinder firms' economic growth. Amongst its key messages is that companies which trade across borders are more productive than those which do all their business in their home country. A second message is that high-growth firms are found in all EU Member States and in all sectors of the economy. Full story
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