Choices for Europe

Sluggish economic growth, high unemployment, ageing populations, climate change and security challenges on the borders of Europe have been some of the top priorities on the European agenda since the early 1990s. The EU has tried to tackle these issues, notably through its commitments to reduce greenhouse gases and its Lisbon strategy for economic growth. But the solutions offered have often fallen short, largely due to a lack of political resolve. European leaders have been reluctant to see through some of the difficult and costly policies required to ensure Europe’s future security and growth.