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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

  • Laura Mariana Cismaș

    (Department of Economics and Economic Modeling, West University of Timisoara, 300115 Timisoara, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Firoiu & George H. Ionescu & Laura Mariana Cismaș & Luminița Vochița & Teodor Marian Cojocaru & Răducu-Ștefan Bratu, 2023. "Can Europe Reach Its Environmental Sustainability Targets by 2030? A Critical Mid-Term Assessment of the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-29, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16650-:d:1296015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gabriele Bammer & Michael O’Rourke & Deborah O’Connell & Linda Neuhauser & Gerald Midgley & Julie Thompson Klein & Nicola J. Grigg & Howard Gadlin & Ian R. Elsum & Marcel Bursztyn & Elizabeth A. Fulto, 2020. "Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Stephany Isabel Vallarta-Serrano & Edgar Santoyo-Castelazo & Edgar Santoyo & Esther O. García-Mandujano & Holkan Vázquez-Sánchez, 2023. "Integrated Sustainability Assessment Framework of Industry 4.0 from an Energy Systems Thinking Perspective: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-30, July.
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