NEWS

The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2026 (ESDR 2026), a new report released today by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), shows that progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has stalled in Europe, with stagnation or even reversal on some environmental and socio-economic targets, and declining political prioritization of the SDGs within EU leadership.

Now in its seventh edition, the ESDR provides the most comprehensive assessment of Europe’s performance on the 17 SDGs, covering 41 countries, including all EU Member States, Candidate Countries, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and the United Kingdom. Notably, the report reveals that while some European countries continue to lead globally in achieving the SDGs, there are important variations in SDG performance across European countries. Currently, no European country has fully achieved or is on track to achieve all 17 SDGs. Europe faces major challenges on key environmental indicators, including international spillovers, but also in implementing the “Leave-No-One-Behind” principle of the SDGs, with a reversal in progress across several European countries on socio-economic indicators, including material deprivation. The report also highlights a decline in SDG prioritization within EU policymaking.

This year’s ESDR is accompanied by a foreword highlighting the importance of EU leadership in reaffirming commitment to the SDGs by Ambassador David Donoghue, former Permanent Representative to the UN for Ireland and Co-facilitator of the SDGs and 2030 Agenda. Additional experts provided contributions outlining concrete pathways to sustainability, including a review of European National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to 2050, estimates of fair levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions from agriculture for the EU, and an analysis of 29 bioeconomy strategies at national, regional, and EU levels.

“At a time when the United States is openly challenging the SDGs and UN-based multilateralism, Europe must assert an independent foreign policy—one rooted in peace, partnership, and sustainable development in a multipolar world,” said Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the SDSN and Lead Author. “With the EU currently shaping its 2028–2034 long-term budget, this is a pivotal moment for Europe to demonstrate leadership, both domestically and on the global stage. By harnessing the strength of its internal market and mobilizing investments in green and digital technologies, the EU can reaffirm its commitment to the SDGs and build new alliances. The SDGs remain our most powerful framework for securing a future that is just, peaceful, and sustainable.”

The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2026 is accessible HERE