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Last Thursday [22 November], the European Commission released its communication on the next steps for a sustainable European future, with the objective of presenting how the European Union will contribute to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.

Nobody would disagree with the Commission’s view that “a life of dignity for all within the planet’s limits that reconciles economic prosperity and efficiency, peaceful societies, social inclusion and environmental responsibility is at the essence of sustainable development”. It seems, however, that this ambition has not been turned into concrete proposals for new action. This discrepancy between stated goals and means to achieve them is highly problematic.

Even though it is claimed in the document that sustainable development requires a “holistic and cross-sector policy approach”, this is not properly reflected in the content of the communication. The European Commission indeed considers that current EU priorities until 2020 address all seventeen Goals, and presents a list of different existing policies and instruments likely to contribute to their achievement, without explaining how they would be inter-linked. Moreover, this approach also means that at least until 2020, the Commission has no intention to set up an overarching EU Sustainable Development Strategy.

As acknowledged in the communication, partnership with civil society should guide the whole process, since it is a way to ensure that no major concern is overlooked. Nevertheless, all organisations involved in the SDG Watch Europe coalition regret that their input has not received the consideration it deserves. As explained in SDG Watch Europe’s statement on the European Commission’s communication released on 23 November, the European Commission did not live up to the Agenda 2030 commitment to work in an open, participatory and inclusive way with stakeholders, even though civil society organisations have been willing and able to provide their support.

Making the Sustainable Development Agenda a success is in everyone’s interest, but this will require determination and coherence. The Commission will have to truly engage with civil society in the in-depth reflection on a longer vision, and move beyond a short-term focus on economic growth and security issues. The creation of a multi-stakeholder platform providing a space for exchange of ideas and best practices mentioned in the communication could be a positive step, if properly implemented.

However, time is precious. As stated in the communication itself: “To preserve the future, the right policy choices have to be made today”. It is unsure whether the European Union can afford to wait until 2020 to profoundly change its priorities.