The European Union (EU) has a strong leadership role, globally and regionally, in implementing the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development but as a matter of urgency its ambitions now need to be translated into strategies and actions. Major global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and climate change, have all effectively reversed progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further exacerbated interrelated challenges relating to poverty, inequality, carbon emissions, education, health, economic growth and finance. The increasing likelihood of Agenda 2030 objectives not being met within the expected timeframe calls for major transformation in: SDGs’ financing; ecology and green recovery; citizens’ empowerment; political commitment to collective action; as well as cooperation between public, private and non-profit sectors. Achieving SDGs would be better served by adopting an overarching EU strategy for the Agenda 2030, to include: SDGs in the European Semester; the Green Deal; countries’ recovery processes; increased collaboration between EU and United Nations institutions; and support for other countries in levelling up SDG achievements globally. This would not only provide positive signals for reassuring Agenda 2030 but also enhance countries’ commitment to sustainability. This In-Depth Analysis aims to assist the European Parliament by contributing to policy and legislative debates ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit.Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP