Baltic Sea Region Countries’ Progress in Leave-No-One-Behind

Research purpose. The purpose of this study is to analyse the progress of the Baltic Sea Region countries in implementing the LNOB in a short-term trend. The study seeks to identify the stability of progress in a five-year period and examine which LNOB index dimensions and the sustainable development goals pose the greatest challenges in ensuring the inclusion of all members of society. Design / Methodology / Approach. The qualitative research method, document analysis was applied in the research. The analysis of Europe Sustainable Development Reports (further – SDRs) (2019-2023 period) was completed to identify the Baltic Sea Region countries’ progress in achieving the LNOB Index in the short-term trend. This analytical approach allowed a comprehensive examination of the progress recorded in the LNOB index. Through meticulous evaluation, dynamic changes unfolding over the specified five-year timeframe were unveiled, providing valuable insights into inclusive sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region countries. Findings. Five-year period data on the Baltic Sea Region’s LNBO and SDG indicators show positive progress as the number of above-EU average countries is rising and the gap between the best and worst performers is narrowing. However, the LNOB progress is very uneven as the countries experienced some development and some regression (Finland decreased by 0.8 points, while Lithuania improved by 8 points). The analysis of LNOB dimensions revealed some challenges. In the dimension of poverty and material deprivation, countries have shown a declining trend due to lower trends for SDG2 Zero Hunger and SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production. In the dimension of income inequality Denmark and Sweden have even worsened their trends due to the stagnating situation SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG10 Reduced inequalities. The dimension of Access To and Quality of Services have decreased due to declining trends in SDG4 Quality education. These findings indicate that even developed countries are vulnerable to global and national challenges. Originality / Value / Practical implications. The originality of this topic lies in our approach to a detailed assessment of the progress of the countries of the Baltic Sea region using the LNOB index and the forecasted trends in achieving sustainable development goals. Rather than focusing solely on specific targets or indicators, we take a holistic approach by analysing the LNOB Index, providing insights into the region’s commitment to sustainable development. We performed a detailed analysis of the LNOB index of the Baltic Sea region countries, based on the four dimensions of the index, and highlighted progress and challenges in the field of sustainable development.