Sustainability in Practice in Europe: From the 2030 Agenda to Local Action

Briefing
December 2024

In recent years, sustainability has become an important paradigm for policymaking and administration at the international, national, and sub-national levels. Hence, sustainability-related policies shape administrative practices and service delivery at regional and local levels of government. This policy briefing explores this global-to-local process and analyses how global policy frameworks for sustainability are being implemented in practice at the local level across Europe. Drawing on selected examples of the European Public Sector Award (EPSA) 2023–24, this briefing aims to share good practices and offer guidance for governments, policymakers, and administrators on reinforcing capacities for sustainability action.

To translate international and national policy frameworks into action, local actors are advised to do the following:

  • Base sustainability initiatives on local community needs and challenges while aligning with global frameworks such as SDGs. This requires conducting local assessments and using frameworks to measure impact.
  • Develop a clear sustainability vision with committed municipal leadership. This involves securing political buy-in and fostering cross-departmental collaboration with aligned strategies.
  • Access funding through national and EU opportunities by identifying suitable support programmes and establishing dedicated project management units for oversight.
  • Implement adaptive processes with clear indicators, monitoring systems, and continuous learning through peer networks such as Eurocities.
  • Form partnerships that address community needs while ensuring tangible citizen benefits, and protecting public interest and core project goals.
  • Build internal capacity through technical and soft skills training and create knowledge-sharing mechanisms within the administration for complex project delivery.
  • Connect with citizens through clear, non-technical messaging that relates sustainability to daily life, using creative campaigns to promote behavioural change.

 

Learn more about all EPSA 2023-24 projects here.

Written by: