Sabato, S., Mandelli, M., & Jessoula, M. (2022). Towards an EU eco-social agenda? From Europe 2020 to the European Green Deal. In Towards Sustainable Welfare States in Europe (pp. 199-219). Edward Elgar Publishing. [Link]

This chapter aims to explore the European Union’s (EU) approach to integrating environmental, social, and economic policy domains and the governance arrangements established to facilitate interaction among relevant actors. The analysis focuses on key EU strategies implemented during the 2010s, including the Europe 2020 Strategy, the European Semester, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the European Green Deal. Using qualitative research methods, including literature review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews, the study evaluates the development and implementation of these strategies. The analysis covers the tenures of three successive College of Commissioners, providing insights into evolving policy orientations. The chapter employs the eco-social-growth trilemma framework to interpret the EU’s efforts in reconciling environmental, social, and economic goals. Additionally, it discusses the governance arrangements necessary for formulating coherent strategies at the EU level. The findings shed light on the EU’s endeavors to foster an eco-social agenda and address contemporary challenges.