The Ecological Dimension of the Concept of Sustainable Development: A Legal Perspective of the Term Under the European Approach

Abstract

Sustainable development is a key concept in global politics and economics and has a major impact on how European countries manage their resources and growth strategies. The reflections of this concept are also found in the normative acts adopted within the European Union countries and not only, as they represent priorities to be implemented at the level of each country. The aim is to strike a balance between economic progress, environmental protection and social well-being, so that the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the possibilities of future generations. Sustainable development is not only a necessity, but also an opportunity for Europe to become a global model in the transition towards a green and inclusive economy. Effective implementation of European strategies can ensure a prosperous and balanced future for all citizens. This study aims to explain, by means of various normative acts adopted in European countries, the way in which dismemberments of this concept have been transposed into legislation and the effects produced at a practical level. Furthermore, from a tangential perspective, the present study also analyzes the economic and social dimension of the concept of sustainable development, since the notion must be seen from a triple perspective. The analysis of European policies and strategies on sustainable development is another pillar of the study.

Received: 20 April 2025 / Accepted: 2 June 2025 / Published: 25 June 2025