The Gothenburg European Council set out key environmental objectives and target dates at strategic, political and legislative levels, taking account of international agreements.

The Council added the environmental dimension to the Lisbon process as its 'third pillar', the others being economic and social reform. Integration of environmental protection into other Community policies became a requirement. Sustainable development deals with economic, social and environmental policies in a mutually reinforcing way. Priorities include combating climate change, ensuring sustainable transport, addressing threats to public health and managing natural resources more responsible.

For the four priorities, the Gothenborg European Council agreed on: 

Since 2002, the Gothenburg strategy has been subject to ongoing monitoring and adjustment, the results of which are published in a separate chapter of the Commission's annual report on the Lisbon strategy. The latter is usually published in March of each year, before the spring European Council.

01/01/2006

policy

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Environmental sustainability