Ecologic Institute as part of a Framework Contract with the Committee of the Regions developed regional and national progress indicators for assessing progress towards the Europe 2020 targets. The aggregate regional indicator uses the available data at regional level (NUTS 2) to help identify and assess the development each region has taken with respect to the eight Europe 2020 indicators and their national targets (to the extent that they are available). The calculations reflect the diversity of European regions and Member States as well as the significant economic and social impacts of the economic and financial crises. The EU27 as a whole averages just over 60% of the distance to the EU-wide targets. In contrast, five countries – the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Slovenia – have on average achieved at least 80% of the path to the 2020 targets while five other countries – Luxembourg, Spain, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta – are less than 50% along the way.

To achieve the Europe 2020 goals the EU installed the European semester, a yearly cycle of European policy coordination. Although it was supposed to effect the national level, it also influenced regional and local developments. Thus economic and fiscal governance in the European Union were boosted. This report presents two concepts for an indicator which measures regional progress.

This report, written by Ecologic Institute, the Institute for Managing Sustainability, and ICLEI indicates the importance of local and regional authorities (LRAs) to achieve the targets of Europe 2020. Additionally, it includes guidelines and suggestions for a better involvement of the local and regional authorities besides focusing on targets that are more realistic. The report includes desk analysis and broad online consultation to substantiate this document and is available for download.