“There is growing interest from villages, towns, cities and regions for the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of their long term strategies and daily political decisions. We have observed a gradual decline of the SDGs' centrality in the EU's narrative. This is the moment to give a boost to the SDGs and reinstate them at the core of the EU directives and policies.” Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga and CoR rapporteur on the opinion "Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030" made these remarks during an ECON Commission meeting.
Presenting his opinion, Rio made a number of recommendations including the development of a proper scheme for the internal governance of SDGs with regular meetings and structured synergies among the different Cabinets of the European Commission as well as to chart a more deliberate monitoring of SDGs, including in the European Semester.
The opinion calls on the European Commission to reinforce the SDGs as an integral part of European core values and identity. It outlines that the SDGs have progressively lost ground in the EU narrative, with a lower profile in EU policy-making, which is jeopardising their chances of implementation by 2030. Furthermore, Rio's opinion considers that the lack of involvement of local and regional authorities and the lack of a meaningful consultation process in the formulation of National Recovery and Resilience Plans, through the designation of priorities and planned action, is compromising the plans and is leaving large parts of population behind. In this regard, the opinion says that there is a clear urgency to support the localisation of the SDGs in order to build back in a better and fairer way. This opinion is the result of a long process of engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders and is the proof of the CoR’s commitment to fulfil the 2030 Agenda.
Frances Fitzgerald, Vice Chair of the EPP Group in the European Parliament and member of the European Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee and the EPP-EP Group's Coordinator in the Gender Equality and Women's Rights committee, took part in the ECON discussion and said "It is encouraging to see the ambition shown in the COR's draft opinion on delivering on the SDGs by 2030. Achieving the SDGs must be prioritised by all EU Member States, particularly as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and as we work towards climate neutrality by 2050. Through Next Generation EU and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, we have a vital opportunity to build back better by advancing and reinforcing the SDGs."
Eddy van Hijum, Member of the Council of the Province of Overijssel and EPP-CoR ECON Coordinator spoke about the need to implement SDGs not only at the EU level but also at the local and regional level. He added that policy makers need to shift focus of the economy from profit and growth to take into account the quality of life and sustainability of future generations. "SMEs and family firms are our allies in this shift towards a value oriented economy." Welcoming the opinion van Hijum said that this is a call to for action for everyone.
Deirdre Forde, Councillor of Cork City Council spoke about the need to inform citizens and business and engage them in the implementation of SDGs. "Local and regional authorities play a vital role in raising awareness and reaching citizens regarding the benefits of the SDGs." She added that Cork City Council had a huge interest in the SDGs and was working closely with educational institutions and the chamber of commerce.
The opinion was adopted with 65 votes in favour, 1 against and 3 abstentions. It is scheduled to be adopted by the CoR's plenary during its next session from the 30 June to the 2 July.