Theme III: Promotion of the Competitiveness of the European Economy

Many countries in Europe depend on imports of natural resources, most notably oil and gas. For example, in 2008, the dependency ratio of the EU27 countries for oil was over 80% and for gas over 60%. Approximately 38% of the crude oil imports to the EU27 countries came from OPEC countries and 33% from Russia. It has been frequently emphasized that Europe should become more self-sufficient in its consumption of natural resources.

Currently, the high dependency on imports of natural resources is still a risk for Europe’s economic development, competitiveness and even political independence. In one horror scenario, Europe could be paralyzed economically and politically if the imports of natural resources from outside Europe were to radically drop as a consequence of some international policy crisis.

On the other hand, Europe – particularly when including the European part of Russia – has vast renewable resources, most notably forests, which can serve as substitutes for the use of many non-renewable resources. Europe has also recognised know-how to become the world's leading innovator of next-generation bio-based products and businesses, including fuels and energy. Evolving business opportunities can support Europe’s competitiveness and economic development.

How can we turn this knowledge of bio-based materials into sustainable production and competitiveness? Are natural resources truly a competitive resource for Europe or are they Europe's Achilles’ heel? How can Europe and Russia improve their co-operation in the field of natural resources management, utilization and markets? The third theme session of the Koli Forum focuses on these questions.

Content production of Theme III:
University of Joensuu
Forest Foresight Unit
Contact person: Director Anssi Niskanen
Tel. +358 50 463 4498
anssi.niskanen@joensuu.fi

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