Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe the European Union's (EU) developing approach and governance in the implementation of the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations (UN). UN's sustainable development goals are more vibrant to maintain peace and stability in the world. The EU's Global Gateway and Asia-Europe connectivity programme are supporting other nations to work on the SDGs. As a regional organisation, the EU shows enormous intention to eliminate poverty, malnutrition and famine, establish peace, respect for human rights and minority rights, and maintain global warming, biodiversity and the climate. Moreover, the EU also formed bilateral and multilateral level cooperation across the world for the establishment of democratic rule, peace, and prosperity. The EU's policy formulation keeps working on economic, social, and environmental development issues at the global level and supporting the UN mission across the world in different sectors. This research is based on qualitative analysis using primary and secondary literature. In addition, this study also uses the empirical method to discuss the main research gaps and answer major questions related to the SDGs. As a result, the EU has started significant work to achieve the objectives of the SDGs of the UN. The EU has also launched various development programs for the implementation of the SDGs in its member states. In conclusion, the EU's other institutions have been providing funds in different sectors in the Asian, African, Latin American, and Pacific countries under the SDGs.
TopIntroduction
The SDGs were established by the UN General Assembly in September 2015 and the global community supported this initiative which is part of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. The UN’s SDGs agenda is associated with poverty alleviation, protecting the planet, and inclusive human development with sustainable solutions. The world communities collectively pledged to poverty eradication and malnutrition across the world. The prime objective of this agenda is to ensure every person’s human rights and other social development by 2030. The EU as a regional organisation had started work on the SDGs with like-minded global partners. The EU also initiated bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral and multilateral partnerships with its global partners to achieve success in the area of development and well-being of people around the world. The agenda of the SDGs is a top priority of the EU from design to proper implementation. EU Member States have also enthusiastically participated in the implementation of the EU agenda and have led donors to accelerate the SDGs programmes. The EU and its twenty-eight members are key donors of official development assistance (ODA) at the global level (European Commission, n.d.-c).
The EU has initiated a positive and constructive contribution to developing countries for a complete transformation in the field of social prosperity, human support, education & and health, political reformation and economic development within the framework of the UN 2030 agenda. The 17 principal areas are found and encouraged to work together by the world community. These sectors are involved in completing a social revolution to make the balance between people and different governments for environmental sustainability, end poverty, fight against starvation, social justice, and work for the removal of gender discrimination. The EU and its Member States always show enormous interest in supporting inside and outside the EU, therefore, the EU’s policies gain mileage in the comparison of other economies in the continent of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific region as well. The EU Member States work towards developing countries of the world with as shared vision (Prada, 2013). The concept of sustainable development is associated with the EU’s Treaties and it has been the central policy for a long time for social and economic development.
The EU has a broad range of developing program for developing countries and its policy fosters the settlement of proper democratic institutions, sustainable development, social awareness and stability, with the ultimate goal of poverty eradication. The EU has also been providing funds under projects for the betterment of the education system and the improvement of health facilities in developing countries. Which is the key component of the UN’s 17-point agenda of sustainable development. The EU’s key external pillar is development assistance to the suffering countries worldwide under the EU’s different treaties, alongside security support, infrastructural development programmes, and the establishment of education and health institutions (European Commission, n.d.-a). The EU development policy is based on easing human life in the world and has been successfully implemented in Europe for a long time.
Key Terms in this Chapter
United Nations (UN): The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 with the primary objectives of maintaining international peace and security, promoting cooperation among nations to solve global problems, and fostering economic and social development. The UN promotes the rule of law and adherence to international legal norms as a basis for resolving disputes and preventing conflicts. The UN promotes gender equality and women's empowerment as fundamental principles for achieving peace, development, and human rights. The UN promotes sustainable development practices that balance economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. This includes efforts to eradicate poverty, ensure access to education and healthcare, promote gender equality, and protect natural resources. The UN responds to humanitarian crises caused by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies by providing lifesaving aid, such as food, water, shelter, and medical care, to affected populations. It also coordinates relief efforts and supports long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Representing the EU internationally: The Commission represents the EU in international negotiations and agreements, including trade negotiations and climate change talks.
Proposing new legislation: The Commission has the sole right to initiate legislation in most policy areas, although the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union must approve it.
European Union (EU): The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. It was established by the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993 and is the result of decades of cooperation among European countries following the devastation of World War II. The EU operates through a system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental decision-making, which include the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the European Central Bank, among others. The EU has a wide range of competencies, including the single market, customs union, competition policy, agricultural policy, trade policy, and monetary policy (for the Eurozone countries). It also promotes cooperation in areas such as justice and home affairs, energy, environment, and foreign policy. Additionally, the EU plays a significant role in global affairs, representing its member states in international negotiations and advocating for common positions on issues such as climate change, human rights, and trade.
European Commission: The European Commission is one of the main institutions of the European Union (EU). It serves as the executive branch of the EU and is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding EU treaties, and managing the day-to-day operations of the Union. The Commission operates independently of national governments and represents the interests of the EU as a whole. The primary functions of the European Commission include:
Managing the EU budget: The Commission is responsible for managing the EU budget and allocating funds to various programs and projects.
Implementing EU policies: The Commission is responsible for implementing EU policies and decisions, ensuring that member states comply with EU law.
Enforcing EU law: The Commission monitors member states' compliance with EU law and can take legal action against countries that fail to fulfill their obligations.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global goals adopted by the United Nations (UN) in September 2015. These goals are designed to address a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world, with the aim of achieving a more sustainable and equitable future for all by the year 2030.