Problems and prospects of EU sustainable development governance

The European Union (EU) is committed to Sustainable Development Governance (SDG). However the enforcement of its SD agenda remains a challenge. The EU’s SD strategy (SDS) is ambitious, wide in scope but flexible to adjustments necessitated by emerging challenges imposed by EU member states as they pursue their respective national interests. The Common EU SD vision is therefore undercut by various national agendas and sovereignty issues. Concurrently, the EU’s external action is increasingly being integrated into its SD strategy. The EU is equally taking steps to mainstream human and environmental rights into its external action plan. Nevertheless, EU SDS is faced with significant threats, although it embodies some strengths and weaknesses in its implementation, with opportunity for improvements.