European Perceptions of Sustainable Development Study

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2025 is a pivotal year: it marks the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact and leaves only five years to achieve the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. Yet progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains slow, with only around a third on track globally. Against this backdrop, the role of business and governments in driving sustainable development has never been more urgent.

At the same time, the political landscape across Europe is shifting. While citizens consistently express strong support for ambitious climate action and social progress, sustainability policies are increasingly the subject of political debate. From discussions on the pace of the EU Green Deal, to questions about regulatory frameworks and the balance between competitiveness and responsibility, sustainability has become a contested space.

This context makes understanding public perceptions more important than ever. Do Europeans still view sustainable development as a priority? Which actors do they trust to deliver it? And what role should business play in meeting society’s expectations?

To answer these questions, the Global Compact Networks of 16 European countries, together with research partner Kantar, conducted a survey of more than 12,000 citizens. The findings provide valuable insights into how Europeans perceive sustainable development today, and how governments, businesses, and civil society can respond to these expectations to accelerate progress towards 2030.

Key Findings

  1. Sustainable development remains a priority: Europeans continue to value sustainability highly and expect business to take an active role.
  2. Urgency is recognised: Environmental, social, and governance issues are widely seen as pressing challenges requiring immediate action.
  3. Strong policy support: Despite ongoing debates, Europeans back ambitious sustainability policies and frameworks.
  4. Action gap identified: While many businesses align with the SDGs, fewer have embedded measurable impact strategies; progress must accelerate.

To download the report, please complete the form here. →

Explore the finding through our interactive database below ↓

For further information, please contact Erin Sharpe, Advocacy and Partnerships Manager.