The environmental and sustainable development perspective

The integration of environmental objectives, climate change, green economy and sustainability has been strategic in Cohesion Policy over the recent programming periods. This chapter aims to conceptualise the role and the relationship of sustainable development. Along with the economic and socio-development approach, Cohesion Policy has been increasingly influenced by the growing attention to the sustainable development paradigm given by the general strategies. For example, these are the EU2020 Strategy and the EU Green Deal. Moreover, Cohesion Policy Regulations and thematic dimensions have incorporated environmental, climate change and green economy issues, showing a growing convergence path towards the UN Sustainable Development global policies. Additionally, the chapter examines the relationship between the UN 2030 Agenda and the general framework of Cohesion Policy during the programming period 2014-2020.