The Paper seeks to steer the discussion on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be best achieved and how the European Union can best contribute by 2030. Building on what has been achieved in recent years, these scenarios highlight that further action is needed if the EU and the world are to secure a sustainable future in the interest of citizens' well-being.
The Reflection Paper focuses on the key policy foundations for the sustainability transition, which include moving from linear to circular economy, correcting the imbalances in our food system, future-proofing our energy, buildings and mobility, and making sure that this transition is fair, leaving no one and no place behind. The Paper also concentrates on the horizontal enablers, which need to underpin the sustainability transition, including education, science, technology, research, innovation and digitization; finance, pricing, taxation and competition; responsible business conduct, corporate social responsibility and new business models; open and rules-based trade; governance and policy coherence at all levels.
The Paper puts forward three scenarios to stimulate the discussion on how to follow up on the SDGs within the EU:
The Reflection Paper focuses on the key policy foundations for the sustainability transition, which include moving from linear to circular economy, correcting the imbalances in our food system, future-proofing our energy, buildings and mobility, and making sure that this transition is fair, leaving no one and no place behind. The Paper also concentrates on the horizontal enablers, which need to underpin the sustainability transition, including education, science, technology, research, innovation and digitization; finance, pricing, taxation and competition; responsible business conduct, corporate social responsibility and new business models; open and rules-based trade; governance and policy coherence at all levels.
The Paper puts forward three scenarios to stimulate the discussion on how to follow up on the SDGs within the EU:
- An overarching EU SDGs strategy guiding the actions of the EU and its Member States.
- A continued mainstreaming of the SDGs in all relevant EU policies by the Commission, but not enforcing Member States' action.
- An enhanced focus on external action while consolidating current sustainability ambition at EU level.