Introduction

The European Union (EU) has undertaken significant efforts to align its policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and incorporate human rights principles. Below is a list of key EU policies aligned with the SDGs and integrated with human rights considerations. This includes summaries of the policies, how they direct Member States to comply, and relevant citations and references. This link is an Overview of policy mapping at the Goal and Target level-  The mapping shows that EU policies address all 17 SDGs and targets to different extents. The bubble chart on the right shows the number of policies that address sustainable development at the Goal level, which can be expanded to the Target level by clicking on one of the bubbles.

Here are some broader policy areas where you may develop a project proposal: Erasmas+ and many others.

1. The European Green Deal

Summary: The European Green Deal is the EU’s flagship policy to transform Europe into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It addresses various environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable use of resources. The Green Deal is closely aligned with multiple SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The policy integrates human rights by emphasizing the right to a healthy environment, ensuring the transition to a green economy is just and inclusive, and promoting social equity.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States must develop and implement national energy and climate plans (NECPs) in line with the Green Deal’s targets.
• The Just Transition Mechanism within the Green Deal ensures that no region or community is left behind, emphasizing the transition’s social dimension and addressing potential inequalities.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Available at: European Green Deal Communication

2. The European Pillar of Social Rights

Summary: The European Pillar of Social Rights is a framework that promotes fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems. It aligns with several SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The Pillar incorporates human rights by guaranteeing fundamental rights such as fair wages, secure employment, access to social protection, and equal opportunities.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are guided to implement the Pillar’s 20 principles through national reforms, ensuring all citizens have access to essential social rights.
• The European Semester process monitors and coordinates these reforms across Member States, ensuring alignment with the SDGs and human rights.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2017). The European Pillar of Social Rights. Available at: European Pillar of Social Rights

3. The EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025

Summary: The EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 aims to achieve a gender-equal Europe where women and men, girls and boys, in all their diversity, have equal opportunities. This strategy aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality). It incorporates human rights by emphasizing eliminating gender-based violence, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and promoting equality in decision-making.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are encouraged to implement policies that address gender disparities in the labour market, education, and political representation.
• The Strategy also includes monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure progress towards gender equality across the EU.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2020). A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025. Available at: EU Gender Equality Strategy

4. The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024

Summary: The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 reinforces the EU’s commitment to promoting human rights and democracy globally. The Action Plan is aligned with several SDGs, including SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). It emphasizes the protection of human rights defenders, the promotion of gender equality, and the integration of human rights into all external actions of the EU.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are directed to support the implementation of the Action Plan through their foreign and domestic policies.
• The Action Plan calls for enhanced cooperation between the EU and Member States in promoting human rights through diplomatic channels, trade agreements, and development cooperation.

Citations and References:

• European External Action Service. (2020). EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024. Available at: EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy

5. The EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy

Summary: The Farm to Fork Strategy is a core component of the European Green Deal, aiming to create a fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly food system. It aligns with SDGs such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The Strategy integrates human rights by addressing the right to adequate food, ensuring access to healthy diets, and promoting fair working conditions in the food supply chain.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are required to develop national strategies that contribute to the goals of the Farm to Fork Strategy, including reducing the environmental impact of food production and consumption.
• The Strategy also emphasizes the need for Member States to ensure that farmers receive a fair share of the value generated by sustainable food systems.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2020). A Farm to Fork Strategy for a Fair, Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly Food System. Available at: Farm to Fork Strategy

6. The EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025

Summary: The EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025 sets out measures to tackle racism and racial discrimination across the EU. The plan aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and incorporates human rights by focusing on the right to equality and non-discrimination. It includes actions to combat structural racism, improve legal protections, and promote diversity and inclusion in all sectors.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are encouraged to develop and implement national action plans against racism and racial discrimination.
• The plan calls for enhanced data collection on discrimination and the strengthening of anti-discrimination laws and policies at the national level.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2020). A Union of Equality: EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025. Available at: EU Anti-Racism Action Plan

7. The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027

Summary: The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 aims to empower young people and ensure their participation in society. It aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The Strategy integrates human rights by promoting the right to education, employment, and participation in decision-making processes.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are encouraged to develop national youth policies that reflect the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy.
• The Strategy includes monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure that youth rights are respected across the EU.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2018). EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. Available at: EU Youth Strategy

8. The EU Cohesion Policy 2021-2027

Summary: The EU Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 aims to reduce regional disparities across Europe, promote social inclusion, and foster sustainable development. This policy aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Human rights are incorporated by focusing on social inclusion, ensuring all citizens have access to basic services, and reducing economic and social inequalities.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are required to develop and implement Operational Programmes that align with the objectives of the Cohesion Policy, ensuring that EU funds are used to address regional disparities and promote social cohesion.
• The policy includes mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, with a focus on achieving the SDGs and upholding human rights.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2021). EU Cohesion Policy 2021-2027. Available at: EU Cohesion Policy

9. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

Summary: The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is part of the European Green Deal and aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems. It aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The strategy integrates human rights by emphasizing the right to a healthy environment and the need to protect natural resources for future generations.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are directed to implement measures to protect and restore biodiversity, including expanding protected areas and promoting sustainable land and sea use.
• The Strategy calls for increased funding and investment in nature conservation projects and encourages Member States to involve local communities in biodiversity protection efforts.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2020). EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Available at: EU Biodiversity Strategy

10. The EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

Summary: The EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour across global value chains. This directive aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). It incorporates human rights by mandating that companies respect human rights, prevent environmental harm, and address adverse impacts on people and the planet.

Directives to Member States:

• Member States are required to transpose the directive into national law, ensuring that companies conduct due diligence on their operations and supply chains.
• The directive includes provisions for monitoring and enforcement, ensuring compliance with human rights and environmental standards.

Citations and References:

• European Commission. (2022). Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. Available at: Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive