|  Editorial: "Europe+ Foundation - greening European attractiveness in 2007"
New website : www.labaulewic.org Special events Editorial: "Europe+ Foundation - greening European attractiveness in 2007" Editorial by : 
Co-chairman Europe+
CEO Ernst & Young
France and South of Europe
 Pierre Guénant
Co-chairman Europe+
Président of LA BAULE - WIC
Chairman of PGA Group
As at the end of every year, this is a time to both weigh up progress over the past 12 months and look ahead to the continuing pursuit of goals and strategies. To begin with the achievements of 2006, the year has ended on a very positive note for the Europe+ Foundation with the approval of Interreg III B Atlantic Area for the Green Atlantic Sustainable Development or GASD project. This aims at developing the first European competitiveness cluster dedicated to maritime safety and protection of the environment. Straddling the current and the future Interreg programmes, the project is in two phases, the first over 18 months to structure the cluster for worldwide reach and the second over five years to ensure its operational implementation. In a context marked by dizzying growth n maritime traffic and heightened awareness of ecological threats to the planet as a whole and the maritime environment in particular, the issues at stake are critical. This applies not only to the five countries involved and their regions along the Atlantic seaboard, but also to all the other maritime regions of southern and northern Europe, along the Baltic, the North Sea, the Channel and the Mediterranean as well as the Atlantic, as the 14 partners for the GASD project have clearly recognized. They will certainly be joined by others concerned with maritime safety and the environment in coming weeks as the consortium reaches out to bring together all the available competencies and energy needed to deal with such an immense challenge. The Green Atlantic for Sustainable Development project shows the way ahead with innovation across the board. This is in keeping with a new geographical approach to the attractiveness of European regions that makes Europe as a whole the measure for action with worldwide impact in the knowledge that interdependence demands an integrated, global response. Similarly, the issues that are to shape the thinking and organization of this focus of excellence range from endogenous and exogenous economic growth, research and innovation to training and education It will thus offer a platform for the integration of scientific, technological and technological initiatives with public policy-making and the action of all those concerned with maritime safety and the environment. As such, it will be an exemplary showcase for Europe's attractiveness. For Europe+, founded just 14 months ago, the success of GASD is the best illustration of recognition for cooperation and close relationships built up with all those concerned with European attractiveness, by the same token bearing witness to the quality of its high-level networks. Equally, it confirms the pertinence of our analyses and recommendations for the reinforcement of Europe's attractiveness and competitiveness in a global setting. The task for the coming year will be to carry this victory through. Looking ahead, 2007 promises to be an eventful year but, as in other years, the high-point of the calendar is the World Investment Conference in La Baule, this time scheduled for June 28 and 29. The Conference is now into its fifth year as a preferred meeting place for political and business leaders to provide input and support for the recommendations of experts in regional economic development and the promotion of inward investment, with all sharing the gaol of a more attractive Europe for international investors and talent. As always, it will be an unmatched opportunity for the exchange of best practice and debate unconstrained by received wisdom. The 2007 Conference will be taking "High Returns in Europe - the Global Opportunity in Green Technologies and Services" as its key theme, aiming to identify opportunities for Europe and show its capacity to set the example in environment-friendly technologies and services, thereby boosting attractiveness and competitiveness. The example of California, which will be presented at the highest level during the Conference, shows the immense potential of an economy focused on the environment; which promises to be as important for the new century as information and communications technologies were for the last three decades of the 20th century. To celebrate this anniversary, an important milestone in the history of the World Investment Conference, we will be doing all we can to make it more attractive than ever, combining creativity and the high standards of speakers' contributions with quality organization for a truly convivial event where networking can come into its own. As for the details of how we hope to achieve that, we are keeping the surprise for next year. In the meantime, we wish you the very best for the festive season on behalf of all the Europe+ Foundation team and partners of the World Investment Conference. With our warmest thanks for your invaluable support.
LA BAULE 2007 will take place on June 28 & 29. Save the date!
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