Strategic and Systemic Sustainability: Redefining EU Governance Beyond Environmental Policy

Andrés Fernández-Miguel, Fernando E. García-Muiña, Maria Pia Riccardi, Valerio Veglio and Davide Settembre-Blundo ()
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Andrés Fernández-Miguel: Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
Fernando E. García-Muiña: Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
Maria Pia Riccardi: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Valerio Veglio: Department of Economics and Management, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Davide Settembre-Blundo: Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-27

Abstract: The European Union (EU) is fundamentally transforming sustainability governance by developing dual approaches that extend far beyond traditional environmental policy. This study explores how EU institutions integrate strategic sustainability, which embeds environmental goals within economic security and geopolitical frameworks, with systemic sustainability, which emphasizes circularity, stakeholder engagement, and long-term resilience. Using hermeneutic methodology, the research analyzes key policy documents including the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to reveal how sustainability narratives align with strategic autonomy and economic resilience. The findings demonstrate that sustainability governance now operates as a multi-dimensional paradigm balancing sovereignty, competitiveness, and inclusiveness. The study introduces the Neo-Sovereign Strategic Management (NSSM) framework, conceptualizing sustainability as a strategic field where economic security, geopolitical influence, and environmental objectives converge. This dual strategic–systemic approach represents a paradigm shift from standalone environmental goals toward integrated governance that positions sustainability as both economic driver and geopolitical asset. The research contributes to the sustainability governance literature by providing actionable insights for policymakers navigating the complex intersection of environmental objectives, economic security, and strategic autonomy in contemporary EU governance. Unlike existing models such as multi-level governance or resilience theory, the frameworks conceptualize sustainability as a strategic field where sovereignty, competitiveness, and legitimacy converge.

Keywords: strategic sustainability; systemic sustainability; EU governance; sustainability governance; strategic autonomy; economic security; European Green Deal; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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