Sustainable Europe by 2030

On the 12^th of February EUD attended the public hearing Sustainable Europe by 2030, organised by the European Economic Social Committee (EESC). During the public hearing participants discussed how to make sustainable development a horizontal priority in the EU and in its Member States and how to translate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into concrete policies that can improve the wellbeing of people in the EU.

After the publication of the European Commission’s Reflection Paper “Towards Sustainable Europe by 2030”, the EESC held a first public debate on what should be the concrete next steps to achieve the SDGs in the EU within the eleven years that are left. Throughout the discussions it was emphasised that it is absolutely necessary to establish an overarching European Sustainable Development Strategy with concrete objectives, targets and actions and monitoring mechanism in order to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and track the level of their implementation. The Reflection Paper “Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030” is an opportunity to emphasise the importance of adopting an overarching European Sustainable Development Strategy. 

Presenters highlighted that it is desired for the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the SDGs to be EU’s compass and map which would determine the strategic framework for actions of the EU and its Member States. This also implies that regular assessment and monitoring progress of implementation should be established which would reflect the cross-cutting nature and inter-connectivity between the SDGs.

EUD is closely following up the developments regarding the potential EU SDG Strategy and continues raising awareness among its members on SDGs, which are a valuable tool to advocate that no one is left behind.

Natisni to stran