In difficult economic times, the impact of policy proposals on economic competitiveness need to be considered. Nevertheless it is crucial not to lose sight of the needed long-term transformation of the European economy when doing so. The EU commission has introduced a methodology for the competitiveness proofing of its policy. Ecologic has been asked to assess whether the methodology takes into account the desired transformation of the EU economy.

The assessment benchmarked the obligatory methodology for the competitiveness proofing with existing EU targets (EU 2020 targets and sustainable development targets).  The report set out where results from the competitiveness proofing could be in conflict with the longer term objectives and where therefore it could hinder the required transformation of the EU economy. Ecologic also sketched a framework for a "green" competitiveness proofing.