What role for cities in the EU Green Deal? Analysis of policy framework, interlinkages and contribution to the 2030 Agenda

Urban environments are at the forefront of the European Union (EU) climate ambitions as envisaged by the European Green Deal (EGD). On the other side, they are central to deliver on most of the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, due to limited resources and rapidly evolving policy frameworks, EU cities face challenges in contributing to the EU green transition pathway. This research aims to support EU cities in implementing the EGD by providing a comprehensive policy framework, with a focus on targets directly involving cities for their actual implementation. Furthermore, this study aligns the EGD to the 2030 Agenda at the target level. The research identified 22 SDG targets matched to 76 EGD policy targets, with SDG 7, 13, and 15 being the most addressed. Policy gaps in the local transport and food systems emerged. Finally, possible synergies and trade-offs among policies have been highlighted via SDG Interlinkage tool and network analysis. This underscored possible caution areas in implementing policies locally, especially from SDG 7, 13, 6 and 9. Major implications regard the need to align local development programmes with identified target overarching priorities, addressing synergies, and leverage EU cities’ potential in the transport and food system domains.

TRANE Matteo;  BORCHARDT Steve;  MARELLI Luisa;  SIRAGUSA Alice;  POLLO Riccardo;  LOMBARDI Patrizia; 

2025-08-06

WILEY

JRC138319

1099-1719 (online),   

https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3423,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC138319,   

doi.org/10.1002/sd.3423 (online),