Europe 2020 Strategy and 20/20/20 Targets: An Ex Post Assessment Across EU Member States

Norbert Życzyński (), Bożena Sowa, Tadeusz Olejarz, Alina Walenia, Wiesław Lewicki and Krzysztof Gurba
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Norbert Życzyński: Faculty of Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
Bożena Sowa: Faculty of Management, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 38, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
Tadeusz Olejarz: Faculty of Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
Alina Walenia: Faculty of Economics and Finance, University of Rzeszow, 2 Cwiklinskiej, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Wiesław Lewicki: Faculty of Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
Krzysztof Gurba: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of the National Education Commission Krakow, ul. Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-17

Abstract: The 2020 Europe Strategy was designed as a comprehensive framework to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the European Union (EU), particularly emphasising the ‘20/20/20’ targets related to climate protection and energy policy. This study provides an ex post evaluation of the extent to which the strategy’s objectives were achieved in the member states of the EU in the period 2010–2020. The analysis is based on Eurostat data and uses Hellwig’s multidimensional comparative analysis to construct a synthetic indicator of progress. The results show that EU countries have made significant advances in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption, with Sweden and Finland identified as leaders, while Malta and Hungary lagged behind. Primary energy consumption overall decreased, although only a minority of the member states reached the planned thresholds. Progress was less evident in research and development (R&D) expenditure, where the average value of the EU remained below the 3% GDP target, and strong disparities persisted between innovation leaders and weaker performers. Improvements in higher education attainment were observed, contributing to the long-term goal of a knowledge-based economy, although labour market difficulties, especially among young people, remained unresolved. The findings suggest that, although the Strategy contributed to tangible progress in several areas, uneven achievements among member states limited its overall effectiveness. The study is limited by the reliance on aggregate statistical data and a single methodological approach. Future research should extend the analysis to longer time horizons, include qualitative assessments of national policies, and address implications for the implementation of the European Green Deal and subsequent EU development strategies.

Keywords: Europe 2020 strategy; climate policy; sustainable development; low carbon economy; renewable energy; greenhouse gas emissions; R&D expenditure (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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