Green jobs from a small state perspective : case studies from Malta

Abstract

The economic turmoil and the financial crisis faced by most of the European Union Member States can represent an opportunity to address the needs of the time by embarking on the ecological transformation of current production and consumption models in our societies. This transformation of the economy will entail a transformation of Europe’s employment strategies. Many of the jobs which are likely to be in demand in the future may involve tasks and require abilities different from those being demanded today. This is why we have to discuss the needed changes to the labour force and to analyse the prerequisites for the creation of green jobs, as well as the characteristics of these jobs. The European Commission’s “Europe 2020” strategy to create a smart, green, inclusive and high employment economy in the next decade is an ambitious project that could be successful if certain conditions are fulfilled. The competences of Europe’s workforce must be enhanced through the appropriate educational measures. At the same time, the new impetus to produce higher quality, more innovative and sustainable products has to be embedded in a regulatory and supportive framework to remain competitive in the globalised market economy.