The green economy is a pathway to sustainable development. It focuses on resource efficiency and natural capital as the building blocks of the economy, recognising that environmental degradation undermines long-term economic growth and human development. An inclusive green economy is associated with a wealth of opportunities, for both people — to improve their living environments and have decent jobs — and businesses — to increase benefits through more efficient production practices that generate savings, taking advantage of the growing market for environmental goods and services, etc.
The Inclusive Green Economy in EU Development Cooperation is a reference document outlining the EU's vision and approach towards a green economic transition. It aims to promote a better understanding of the green economy, giving policy and operational guidance and presenting best practices. In particular, it provides definitions and explains the rationale for cooperation on the green economy, in line with EU policies and the growing interest in partner countries. It also presents the state of play of EU actions and describes options to support the green economy through dedicated interventions and by integrating green economy issues across relevant sectors, pointing to selected references and tools. As such, it contributes to the EU’s efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda, the new European Consensus on Development and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.