New EU Commission green strategy

The EC hopes the new strategy will ensure the enhancement of natural processes will become a systematic part of spatial planning.

The new strategy focuses on promoting green infrastructure in the main policy areas such as agriculture, forestry, nature, water, marine and fisheries; regional and cohesion policy, climate change mitigation and adaptation; transport, energy, disaster prevention and land use policies.

Joe Hennon, spokesperson for environment commissioner, Janez Potočnik, told GreenPort: “Cities are where green infrastructure can make a big difference – 80% of Europeans live in urban areas.”

By the end of 2013, the Commission will develop guidance on how green infrastructure can be integrated into the implementation of these policies from 2014 – 2020.

Mr Hennon added: “The most important objective is that the communication becomes an enabling framework for the planning of green infrastucture by public authorities across Europe. It signals the political and policy support of the Commission and our readiness to provide support through funding programmes.”

The EC will also focus on improving research and data, strengthening the knowledge base and promoting innovative technologies and will set up an EU financing facility by 2014 to improve access to finance for green infrastructure projects.

By the end of 2015, the EC will carry out a study to assess the opportunities for developing an EU wide network of green infrastructure, and by the end of 2017, the Commission will review progress and publish a report on recommendations for future action.