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Strategic and Systemic Sustainability: Redefining EU Governance Beyond Environmental Policy

Author

Listed:
  • Andrés Fernández-Miguel

    (Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
    Faculty of Economics and Business, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain
    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Fernando E. García-Muiña

    (Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain)

  • Maria Pia Riccardi

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Valerio Veglio

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Davide Settembre-Blundo

    (Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Rey-Juan-Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
    Faculty of Economics and Business, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is fundamentally transforming sustainability governance by developing dual approaches that extend far beyond traditional environmental policy. This study explores how EU institutions integrate strategic sustainability, which embeds environmental goals within economic security and geopolitical frameworks, with systemic sustainability, which emphasizes circularity, stakeholder engagement, and long-term resilience. Using hermeneutic methodology, the research analyzes key policy documents including the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to reveal how sustainability narratives align with strategic autonomy and economic resilience. The findings demonstrate that sustainability governance now operates as a multi-dimensional paradigm balancing sovereignty, competitiveness, and inclusiveness. The study introduces the Neo-Sovereign Strategic Management (NSSM) framework, conceptualizing sustainability as a strategic field where economic security, geopolitical influence, and environmental objectives converge. This dual strategic–systemic approach represents a paradigm shift from standalone environmental goals toward integrated governance that positions sustainability as both economic driver and geopolitical asset. The research contributes to the sustainability governance literature by providing actionable insights for policymakers navigating the complex intersection of environmental objectives, economic security, and strategic autonomy in contemporary EU governance. Unlike existing models such as multi-level governance or resilience theory, the frameworks conceptualize sustainability as a strategic field where sovereignty, competitiveness, and legitimacy converge.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrés Fernández-Miguel & Fernando E. García-Muiña & Maria Pia Riccardi & Valerio Veglio & Davide Settembre-Blundo, 2025. "Strategic and Systemic Sustainability: Redefining EU Governance Beyond Environmental Policy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-27, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8208-:d:1747657
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. van Montfoort, Jochum & Lulofs, Kris, 2025. "Governance of sponge landscapes in sandy uplands of the Netherlands: Between resilience and reluctance," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).

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