About: SDGs

Why EU must guarantee funding for local, regional governments in post-2020 development policy

Member states must strongly support the proposal of the European Parliament to add a budget line for local authorities to tackle global challenges, including through their decentralised cooperation, writes Marlène Siméon.  

Why multilateralism matters

This September, world leaders will gather at the UN in New York to reiterate the need to speed up action on the global promise to build a more equitable and sustainable world, which is the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), write Ulrika Modéer and Ahunna Eziakonwa.

The Energy Charter Treaty, a case study of ‘business as usual’ in the energy sector

A closer look at the Energy Charter Treaty provides a case study of who really holds power in our increasingly interconnected world, writes Timothy Knickerbocker.

Climate progress is key to reinvigorate European project

If the EU is to regain trust and achieve a renewed social contract, the most progressive response to the climate crisis must be at the core of its new mission, writes Martin Porter.

Today, the EU has used up nature’s budget for the year

Did you think Europe was doing relatively well, environmentally speaking? EU Overshoot Day is your reality check. The EU elections and the response of EU leaders will be crucial to turn the tide, writes Ester Asin.

If Europe doesn’t care for the people, the people won’t care for Europe

The next EU budget is a golden chance to put our continent on the right path for the long term, write socialist EU affairs ministers.

Europe needs a new governance mechanism for sustainability

The European Union unveiled a strategy last week to become the world's first climate neutral economy by 2050, generating a positive momentum ahead of the COP24 in Katowice, writes Luca Jahier.

A new political momentum on water diplomacy in the EU?

The conclusions agreed by EU foreign ministers on the importance of water in foreign policy are welcome but must be backed by actions, says Sophie Aujean.

European Parliament sounds the alarm over developing world debt crisis

The number of poor countries facing major debt crises has doubled since 2013, and only 1 in 5 are now considered to be at low risk of crisis. With some countries in the midst of crisis and others on the brink, meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a pipe dream, writes Mark Perera.

Another environmental catastrophe is looming in Central Asia

The EU as a soft power should convince other donors to make the funds available to decontaminate old uranium mines in Central Asia, writes Adrian De Meer.

Africa’s young people need inspirational leaders, not old autocrats

Investing in youth is essential for Africa’s future, but what's even more essential is to let inspirational and transformational leaders to come forth, writes Shada Islam.

Circular economy success needs more than ambitious policies

Voluntary agreements are hardly a new concept but industry action on this front can drive real progress, particularly when it comes to the circular economy, writes MEP Martina Dlabajová.

All fish sold in the EU must be of high standard

The European Commission needs to work out more effective rules to ensure that only fish meeting high social and environmental standards can enter the EU market, as well as a better implementation of the EU control regime in general, argue Linnéa Engström and Javier Garat.

SDGs can be a test for European public-private partnerships

Sustainable Development Goals pose a considerable test for governments and EU institutions. Yet in a world in which the corporate sector is likely to enjoy greater agency, there is a concomitant opportunity to use the SDG process as a trial for European diplomacy, argue Jan Melissen and Ries Kamphof.

Taking stock of 2030 Agenda: Are we making progress with integrated implementation?

There is no planet B. Humanity needs to acknowledge this and work together to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, in a relatively short space of time, write  Hannah Janetschek and Imme Scholz.

EXPO 2017 in Astana will contribute to global sustainable development

Staging such an important exhibition as EXPO 2017 in Kazakhstan will accelerate our transition to a modern and sustainable economy, writes Kairat Abdrakhamanov. EXPO 2017 taking place from 10 June to 10 September 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Its theme is "Future Energy".

EU takes the helm in a year of ocean mobilisation

2017 will be remembered as the turning point in how the international community works together to protect the ocean, write Karmenu Vella and Isabella Lövin.

The EU must forge a European strategy for sustainable development

The UN's 2030 Agenda is absent from the White Paper on the Future of Europe. The Commission should lead by example and mainstream sustainable development across all EU programmes, policies and financial instruments, writes Luca Jahier.

Health leadership in a multipolar world: A view from Europe

Europe is still the most powerful international player in global health. But in an increasingly multipolar world, where differences between the developing and developed health worlds are dissolving, the way we look at global health is outdated, writes Johanna Ralston.

Germany’s plan for development effectiveness

The goal of Germany’s Marshall Plan for Africa is sustainable development on the continent within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Plan should take development to the next level, write Alexandra Rudolph and Sarah Holzapfel.

Time for everyone to sign up for strong ocean governance

There is currently no legal mechanism for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas. A proposed agreement by the UN looks to rectify that, writes Sophie Mirgaux.