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Europe stands at a pivotal moment. The findings of the SPES project make clear that that the coming decade will determine whether the EU can steer a transformation that both respects planetary boundaries and delivers sustainable and inclusive wellbeing for all. Sustainable Human Development offers a unifying paradigm capable of steering this transformation. The urgency is undeniable as mounting climate risks, widening social inequalities, geopolitical instability, rising conflicts and persistent economic vulnerabilities demand coordinated action. However, this moment also presents a unique opportunity. The policy frameworks, scientific insights and societal awareness needed for substantial far-reaching change are already emerging. What is required now is the political will to act decisively and in partnership.

To meet these challenges, Europe requires a cohesive, forward-looking transition strategy that:

• Integrates environmental, social and economic goals;
• Strengthens institutional capacity across all governance levels;
• Supports regional and global fairness;
• Expands sustainable and inclusive wellbeing.

The window for shaping a fair, resilient and sustainable future is now. With decisive leadership, multilevel collaboration and a shared vision rooted in Sustainable Human Development, Europe can drive a transition that not only reduces emissions but also enhances wellbeing, strengthens democracy and expands opportunities for present and future generations.

The Big Picture: Insights Across SPES Research

Introduction – p.06

SPES project offers a clear and integrated understanding of what a just and sustainable transition requires in Europe today. The findings demonstrate that while the challenges ahead are substantial, the opportunities are equally significant, provided that policies are designed with coherence, fairness and long-term wellbeing at their core.

Embracing Sustainable Human Development in Beyond-GDP metrics – p.10

A central insight is that Sustainable Human Development must guide Europe’s transition. Traditional metrics of prosperity and productivity overlook many of the factors that matter most for people’s lives and for ecological stability. SPES shows that policies oriented toward expanding people’s capabilities, such as access to essential services, meaningful work, healthy environments and social participation, provide a more effective and legitimate foundation for long-term transformation than narrow economic objectives alone.

Generating a Just Green Transition – p.16

Better measurement and data systems are crucial to achieving this shift. Existing indicators often fail to capture distributional effects, environmental pressures or the multidimensional nature of wellbeing.  SPES highlights the need for robust, integrated data infrastructures and multidimensional monitoring frameworks that reflect economic, social and ecological realities. Without such tools, policies risk being
misaligned with people’s lived experiences and with the demands of planetary boundaries.

The Social Dimension of Climate Resilience – p.20

The project’s research on productivity and innovation further highlights that the transition cannot succeed through technological change alone. While green innovation can foster economic dynamism, benefits remain unevenly distributed across Europe. Regions with strong institutional, scientific and financial capacities are better positioned to capture productivity gains, while others risk being left behind. Fragmented policy mixes, where technology, regulation and investment instruments are not coordinated, undermine progress. Purpose-driven strategies that link innovation to social inclusion and  environmental goals are essential.

Effective, Fair and Inclusive Climate Policies – p.24

The social dimension of the transition therefore cannot be separated from climate aims. Climate risks and transition impacts often fall hardest on those already facing disadvantage, whether due to low income, inadequate housing, precarious work or limited access to transport. Integrating social protection, decent work strategies, equitable access to essential services, and territorial cohesion is essential  or preventing new  forms of exclusion and for ensuring that the transition improves quality of life for all.

Citizens’ Perspectives on the Just Transition – p.28

Fairness emerges as a decisive factor for the success of climate policy. Instruments such as the Emissions Trading System II (ETS2) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) carry significant  distributional  implications, both within Europe and globally. Without safeguards that protect low-income households, vulnerable regions, and affected workers, these policies risk undermining political  support and deepening inequalities. SPES findings make clear that climate policies can only be effective when they are also perceived as equitable and legitimate.

Sustaining Climate Action Through Synergy Politics – p.32

SPES also shows that citizens’ perspectives are a vital pillar of a just transition. People across Europe, and in partner countries beyond Europe, express strong support for climate action when policies are fair, transparent and participatory. However, misperceptions about energy use, frustration with unclear decision-making, and concerns about unequal burdens weaken trust. Meaningful engagement, accessible communication, and clear social benefits are fundamental to building durable democratic support. The project highlights the global dimension of Europe’s transition, particularly through its analyses of value chains and climate diplomacy. The impacts of CBAM, resource dependencies and international trade policies extend far beyond EU borders, influencing livelihoods and equity in low- and middle income countries. Ensuring fairness, providing capacity-building, and fostering cooperative partnerships are essential for maintaining global legitimacy and for aligning European policies with principles of climate justice.

Final Remarks – p.40

Another central insight concerns the power of synergy-oriented policymaking. Policies that simultaneously improve daily living conditions, such as lower energy bills, better housing, secure jobs, and  efficient mobility, are more likely to generate lasting political support and reinforce climate ambition. Integrated, multi-instrument policy packages consistently outperform isolated measures, delivering both environmental and social gains. Bridging the Feasibility Gap Through Inclusive Governance – p.36 Finally, SPES research on future scenarios based on stakeholder engagement reveals that multiple pathways exist for achieving a just transition, but all depend on governance choices, institutional capacity and societal participation. Transparent, adaptive and multi-level governance structures strengthen policy feasibility and legitimacy, enabling Europe to navigate uncertainty while maintaining ambition.

Europe has the capability, knowledge and societal support necessary to lead a fair, sustainable and resilient transition. Achieving this future requires aligning economic, social and environmental objectives through coherent governance, investing in people and places, strengthening global cooperation, and placing Sustainable Human Development at the heart of policymaking. This handbook offers a policy pathway toward that future.