This assessment highlights the  substantial potential the EU has through its regulatory powers to establish a  long-term investment framework for essential infrastructure and to act as a global  player.

The vision for 2050 encompasses producing food for a global population of nine  billion while minimising biodiversity loss; mitigating climate change while enhancing  energy security for the EU; and practical and workable solutions for an EU transport  system that is low carbon. Specifically, the vision includes a power grid that would  allow citizens to become electricity producers and would help ensure a dependable  supply of electricity. This study highlights examples of how policy actions in the next five to ten years have to be made in view of long-term goals.

These examples are tabled as a primer for debate on the long-term agenda of the next European Commission and the coming presidencies.