We have had to wait a long time to see this happen. Numerous times the environment tasted defeat in political discussions regarding energy supply, labour, economical growth or any other topic. Numerous pleas for the environment by heads of state only turned out to be lip service. Until now.

Tomorrow we’ll know whether the victory of Miliband and Gabriel was a Pyrrhic victory. If Commissioners Dimas and Piebalgs get full support for their energy and climate policies from the 27 Member States, Environment and Economy will finally be on a level political playing field.

This will have more than just a symbolic meaning. Foremost the consequences will be felt in the European economy – and not in the way many people feared. Like many sustainable energy businesses have already learned, the economic attitude towards environmental measures really pays. The PV industry is growing by almost 40% a year, and the wind energy business is booming albeit with a somewhat smaller yearly average. These young industries provide a lot of jobs, as Germany has proven.

Let’s rejoice in the coming victory - if not tomorrow then later this year - but let’s not indulge too long. The best way to look at the environment is still from an economic standpoint. Not just by using Excel spreadsheets to count the costs and benefits, but in an entrepreneurial way: taking the opportunities wherever we see them.

Rolf de Vos

Editor in Chief