REPORT
The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2025, released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), reveals that progress toward the SDGs in Europe has slowed dramatically, with the pace more than halved since 2020. The report highlights urgent challenges, including growing socio-economic inequalities, persistent environmental degradation, and unsustainable agri-food systems. It stresses that the new EU leadership must recommit to the SDGs by investing in clean energy, promoting healthier diets, addressing social fallout from inflation, and engaging in bold global diplomacy. With Spain set to host the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in June 2025, SDSN sees this as a critical moment for the EU to lead by example.
Northern European nations like Finland and Denmark continue to top the SDG Index, yet even these leaders face mounting challenges. The report calls for deeper civil society engagement, better support for farmers and small producers, and a just transition to sustainable consumption. A companion study with the EESC highlights the need for demand-side dietary shifts to transform Europe’s agri-food systems. With just five years left to deliver on Agenda 2030, SDSN urges the European Commission, Council, and Parliament to issue a joint political statement reaffirming their SDG commitment—and to back it with real, ambitious action.
Angela Hobbs, Quarmans Head of Sustainability. Contact Quarmans today to discuss your Sustainability strategies and targets for 2025.
Access the full report here
