In the EU, political attention is focussed on economic affairs and social issues of insecurity and inequality which have been emphasised by the economic crisis and government responses. Levels of dissatisfaction with incumbent governments are often high, prompting increased populist and short-term political positions. Within the European Commission, the calls of economic interests tend to over-ride environmental priorities.

Yet the need for integration of policies to improve well-being for these and future generations is more pressing than ever before. The policies which could deliver positive change appear well-known to the policy experts in the relevant policy fields. Many of these policy changes involve adjustment of the policies which shape the structure of the EU economy - those in the areas of taxation, industrial policy, innovation and employment. The primary problem is generating political support for change.

This paper aimed at stimulating discussion around what is needed for progress. The main challenge for the sustainable development community is around how to form the political coalitions that favour the adoption of pro-environmental changes to policy in difficult political times. That challenge appears feasible.