The link between the EU trade policy and sustainable development
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. To achieve sustainable development, policies need to work together in economic, environmental and social areas.
In 2015 the United Nations set a collection of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that reflect the ambition and scale of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The EU is fully committed to implementing the SDGs into EU policy.
The EU promotes sustainable development by addressing specific issues in EU trade policy such as agreements, environment, human rights, labour rights and responsible businesses.
The Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE) is a Directorate-General of the European Commission. Under the authority of Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for Trade, DG Trade coordinates trade relations between the European Union and the rest of the world.
Trade acts as an engine for growth and helps promote human and labour rights, good governance and sustainable development principles. The EU trade policy aims to ensure that economic development goes hand in hand with social justice, respect for human rights, high labour standards and high environmental standards.
Follow the links below to find out more about the EU trade policy and sustainable development,
Sustainable development and human rights
EU trade schemes promote economic development and human rights