The study reviews the state of play in regards to Agenda 2030`s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) policies in the European Union and the role of Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) in their implementation. Through case studies and interviews focused on understanding policy approach to SDGs, the study has identified most significant challenges that LRAs face in implementation of SDGs as well as provided recommendations on how to address them.

United Nations
© United Nations

The issues relevant to implementation of SDGs were identified as lack of continuity in political commitment to sustainable development, and lack of awareness of the importance of SDGs, their misunderstandings, under- or overestimations about their results. In terms of governance, lack of coordination between different levels as well as organization of work between different administrative structures can create significant obstacles. Lack of financial means and monitoring were also identified as challenges. For these reasons, recommendations focused on ensuring better EU institutional commitment, defining priorities with consideration of the holistic nature of Agenda 2030 and better organization and integration of work of public authorities. Furthermore, emphasized was the significance of the participative approach of people and civil society in general, the need for a sound set of indicators and monitoring systems as well as making use of the ESI funds in implementation of SDGs. In this context, ÖIR has looked more closely at the city of Poznan (PL) and its policies. Interviews were also conducted with relevant actors in Austria.

R

Factsheet

Period: 2018
 -
Client: European Union, European Committee of the Regions – CoR (via t33)

Partner: t33, Spatial Foresight

Methods: Document analysis

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