A report co-authored by Greek Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Nikolas Farantouris has received overwhelming support from key European Parliament committees, setting the stage for the European Union’s official stance at the upcoming United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York this July.
The report focuses on how the EU can accelerate progress in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a global blueprint to address climate change, poverty, inequality, education, and environmental protection by 2030.
It was jointly drafted by Farantouris (The Left) on behalf of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI), and Polish MEP Robert Biedroń (Socialists & Democrats), who represented the Development Committee (DEVE). Their text was adopted with broad cross-party support during a joint committee session in Brussels and now heads to the full European Parliament plenary for a final vote in July.
“This is an important step for the sustainability of our planet and our society,” Farantouris said following the vote. “I’m proud and grateful that the European Parliament entrusted me and my colleague Robert Biedroń with this crucial task. The report was backed by nearly all democratic political groups—showing that, despite ideological differences, consensus is possible when built on trust, collaboration, and hard work. Isn’t that the essence of democracy?”
What’s at Stake
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, cover a wide range of interlinked issues, from eliminating extreme poverty to promoting biodiversity, climate resilience, inclusive education, and gender equality. With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the July HLPF in New York will be a key moment to assess global progress and outline next steps.
The Farantouris–Biedroń report will shape the European Parliament’s contribution to the forum. It calls for greater integration of sustainability across EU policies, stronger monitoring of progress, and deeper cooperation with partner countries, particularly in areas like climate justice and social equity.
What Is the HLPF?
The UN High-Level Political Forum is the world’s leading platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs. Held annually, it brings together government ministers, UN officials, experts, and civil society leaders to evaluate implementation and identify priorities. This year’s session is expected to take on added urgency as many countries, including EU members, lag behind on key goals.
The European Parliament’s adoption of the Farantouris report signals a strong political commitment to reenergizing the SDG agenda, and elevates the role of EU institutions in the global sustainability conversation.
