1. Introduction to Sustainability in the EU Context. Overview of sustainability: Definitions, dimensions (environmental, social, economic). The EU?s historical evolution of sustainability policy 2. Foundations of Sustainability: Concepts, Principles, and Evolution. Definitions of sustainability and sustainable development. Historical milestones: Brundtland Report, Agenda 21, Rio+20. Three pillars: Environmental, social, and economic. Strong vs. weak sustainability. Intergenerational and intragenerational equity 3. The European Green Deal: Vision and Framework. Objectives and pillars. Role in achieving climate neutrality by 2050 4. EU Institutions and Sustainability Governance. Roles of the European Commission, Parliament, Council, and agencies. Policy-making and coordination mechanisms 5. Legal and Policy Instruments for Sustainability. Regulations, directives, and soft law. Environmental action programmes and sustainability strategies 6. Climate Policy Tools: Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Mechanism, scope, and effectiveness. Role in decarbonisation and global implications 7. Circular Economy in the EU. Circular Economy Action Plan. Tools for waste reduction, resource efficiency, and product lifecycle management 8. Sustainable Finance and the EU Taxonomy. EU Sustainable Finance Strategy. Green bonds, ESG disclosure, and investment tools 9. Energy Policy and the European Energy Transition. Renewable Energy Directive, Energy Efficiency Directive. Energy Union and Fit for 55 package 10. Agriculture and Biodiversity: CAP and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Sustainability in the Common Agricultural Policy. Tools for protecting ecosystems and promoting nature restoration 11. Monitoring, Indicators, and Data for Sustainability. Eurostat?s SDG indicators. Tools for impact assessment, reporting, and evaluation 12. International Dimension: EU Leadership in Global Sustainability. The EU in the Paris Agreement, SDGs, COP negotiations. External trade, development policy, and sustainability standards 13. Challenges and the Future of EU Sustainability Policy. Policy coherence, greenwashing, and enforcement gaps. Innovation, youth activism, and long-term sustainability transitions
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The course Sustainability in the EU provides a comprehensive overview of the development, principles, and current framework of sustainability policy within the European Union. Students will become familiar with the core concepts and pillars of sustainable development, emphasizing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The course focuses on key strategic frameworks such as the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy, climate and energy policy, and the EU?s sustainable finance strategy. It also examines the institutional and legal instruments of sustainability governance, the roles of major EU bodies, and their coordination in achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Global dimensions and the EU?s international commitments to sustainability are discussed as well. The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the political, economic, and social contexts of the EU?s transition towards sustainability and to critically assess its challenges and future directions.
Students will develop analytical skills to assess EU sustainability policies and their implementation across member states. They will gain the ability to interpret and critically evaluate policy documents, indicators, and governance mechanisms. The course also enhances students? competence in linking sustainability theory with practical policy-making and international environmental negotiations.
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