EU presents first Voluntary Review on sustainable development goals at UN

The European Union presented its inaugural Voluntary Review on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations in New York on July 19.

With this accountability instrument, the EU has adopted a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, integrating the SDGs into all policies and strategies since 2020. Flagship initiatives such as the European Green Deal and NextGenerationEU reflect this commitment, with significant funding allocated, including through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The EU has also integrated the SDGs into its economic and fiscal policy coordination framework, the European Semester.

Eurostat’s most recent data reveals progress across a majority of the SDGs, notably in areas such as decent work and economic growth, poverty reduction, and fostering inclusive societies. However, progress has been uneven, in part due to the pandemic and other external shocks, especially in areas related to climate action and the protection of natural resources.

Internationally, as the largest multilateral donor of Official Development Assistance, the EU provided €92.8 billion in 2022, focusing on regions most affected, including Africa and the Middle East. The EU also contributes to sustainable investments through the Global Gateway strategy.

To support its commitment to the SDGs, the EU pledged €30 million to the Joint SDG Fund’s Digital Transformation Window and €5 million to the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

Looking ahead, the EU plans to renew its commitment to ensure legislative proposals align with the SDGs, improve SDG monitoring, and address inequalities in its actions through regular exchanges with stakeholders.