Can Europe Reach Its Environmental Sustainability Targets by 2030? A Critical Mid-Term Assessment of the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda

Daniela Firoiu (), George H. Ionescu, Laura Cismaș, Luminița Vochița, Teodor Marian Cojocaru and Răducu-Ștefan Bratu
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Daniela Firoiu: Department of Commerce, Economic Integration and Business Administration, Romanian-American University, 012101 Bucharest, Romania
George H. Ionescu: Department of Finance, Credit and Accounting, Romanian-American University, 012101 Bucharest, Romania
Luminița Vochița: Department of Economics, Accounting and International Affairs, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania
Teodor Marian Cojocaru: Department of Economics and Economic Modeling, West University of Timisoara, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
Răducu-Ștefan Bratu: Department of Economics, Accounting and International Affairs, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-29

Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a pivotal framework globally, addressing environmental concerns. The 2023 Agenda emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues with socio-economic development, recognizing their fundamental role in human prosperity. This research critically evaluates the mid-term progress of EU Member States in achieving the 2030 Agenda’s environmental targets. Using Eurostat data for SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, we’ve analyzed trends via the AAA (Holt–Winters) exponential smoothing algorithm. Results highlight progress from 2015–2022 but signal concerns for 2030 targets in several Member States. These findings urge local, national, and EU stakeholders to intensify efforts toward environmental sustainability goals. Corrections are imperative, given the predicted negative trends, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rectify trajectories before it is too late.

Keywords: sustainable development; 2030 Agenda; environment sustainability; SDG 6; SDG 11; SDG 12; SDG 13; SDG 14; SDG 15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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