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Tangled Up in Green: A Review of Policy Analyses of the European Green Deal

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  • Cecilia Enberg
  • Christian Ståhl

Abstract

The European Green Deal (EGD) was introduced as a transformative policy agenda for sustainability aiming to make Europe the first climate‐neutral continent in the world. While previous research has studied its transformative potential, there is no comprehensive review of that research. We provide an integrative review of discursive policy analyses of the EGD, arguing that it is pivotal that policymakers understand what transformational potentials the agenda has—along with the obstacles to realize it in transformative ways that are inherent in its formulations. We discuss the transformative potential of the EGD, as presented in the 26 articles included in our review, using a theoretical framework of “empty signifiers” and “ivy discourses”. We conclude that the agenda is characterized by a certain amount of transformational discourse. However, its transformative impact risks being limited as it is enmeshed in assumptions of de‐coupling and international relations remain tainted by colonial power dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Enberg & Christian Ståhl, 2026. "Tangled Up in Green: A Review of Policy Analyses of the European Green Deal," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 1553-1565, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:2:p:1553-1565
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70409
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