Commission to propose action plan for green technology 

In its report the Commission sets out the market barriers that prevent a growing market for environmental technologies, and suggests the following changes:

• The market prices do not reflect the costs of the use of the environment. The environmental costs should be internalised to provide the correct signals for investors and consumers. Economic instruments such as environmental taxation and incentives could be used.
• New technology is expensive. Since the environment is a public good, EU policies should support the dissemination and awareness of new technologies, to make them affordable for companies.
• Uncertainties hinder investments. The EU must be clear in its long-term priorities.
• Information is lacking. The EU can assist in disseminating information, e.g. through the IPPC, where "best available techniques" must be applied and permits updated to reflect changes of techniques. The EU should also encourage the use of voluntary measures such as EMAS, ISO 14001 and environmental agreements.