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Sustainable development goals in the European Union and its regions: Are we moving forward in economic, social, and environmental dimensions?

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  • Pilar Gracia‐de‐Rentería
  • Hugo Ferrer‐Pérez
  • Dušan Drabik

Abstract

We build a framework using Markov transition matrices to develop comparative analyses of the dynamics of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals across 20 EU Member States and three sustainability dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—over the period of 2011–2019. The results indicate that the European Union has significantly progressed in achieving sustainable development, and that this progress has been achieved in all dimensions of sustainability and all EU regions. Nevertheless, we have detected different dynamics of sustainability across some countries and dimensions. This can help policymakers identify where greater emphasis should be placed on putting global goals back on track.

Suggested Citation

  • Pilar Gracia‐de‐Rentería & Hugo Ferrer‐Pérez & Dušan Drabik, 2023. "Sustainable development goals in the European Union and its regions: Are we moving forward in economic, social, and environmental dimensions?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(5), pages 3540-3552, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:31:y:2023:i:5:p:3540-3552
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2609
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    References listed on IDEAS

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