Competitiveness today must be geared to competitiveness tomorrow. There is untapped potential for the EU economy to be more innovative, productive and competitive whilst using fewer resources and reducing environmental damage. Less waste should be produced and more re-used and recycled in line with the practice of the best performing Member States. Greater resource efficiency would contribute to growth, jobs and enhanced competitiveness, with reduced costs for business as well as significant benefits for health and the environment, lower greenhouse gas emissions, contained energy bills and new opportunities created for innovation and investment. The EU is particularly well-placed to give policy the long-term dimension required
