The new IKV publication entitled “Europe 2020 Strategy” prepared by IKV Senior Researcher Selen Akses provides information on the main lines and targets of the Strategy.

With the new world order resulting from the rapid technological development and the globalization process, the EU felt the need to strengthen its economic and social structures and to increase its competitiveness. The European Commission launched the Lisbon Strategy with the aim to turn the EU into the most competitive, dynamic and knowledge based economy in the world. But the global financial crisis that emerged in 2008 and spread rapidly from the United Stated to the EU, has disrupted the project process and made it difficult for Member States to reach their targets in 2010. Under such circumstances, the European Commission developed the “Europe 2020 Strategy” by taking into account the new economic conjuncture resulting from the global financial problems and the debt crises. In this respect, the European Commission will initiate important legal and technical reforms in the economic and social fields. The European Commission aims to generate smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in EU by the year 2020.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance not only for EU Member States but also for candidate countries to follow the reforms undertaking within EU’s economic integration process. As a candidate country, Turkey who has to harmonize its legislation with the EU acquis communautaire also needs to follow closely the reforms undertaken within the framework of the Europe 2020 Strategy.  Furthermore, these reforms will also help Turkey to achieve its goal set by Turkey’s 2023 Vision.

This publication provides the main lines and the targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy determined by the European Commission. The publication also tries to shed light on the reasons that have motivated the Commission to take these measures. In order to better understand the process, this publication also gives a general overview of the  previous targets and the main outcomes of the Lisbon Strategy.
 

EUROPE 2020 STRATEGY

AUTHOR: Selen Akses, IKV Senior Researcher

IKV PUBLICATION NO: 269