Urbanisation and Social Development among EU Countries within Attaining SDGs

Aleksy Kwilinski; Oleksii Lyulyov; Tetyana Pimonenko

doi:10.23762/FSO_VOL14_NO2_2

Published : 2026-06-24

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026)

Urbanisation and Social Development among EU Countries within Attaining SDGs

Aleksy Kwilinski

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6318-4001

Oleksii Lyulyov

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4865-7306

Tetyana Pimonenko

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6442-3684

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL14_NO2_2

Abstract

Urban areas frequently provide improved access to resources and services; however, the presence of disparities (distribution of resources, opportunities, and services) within and among cities impedes the equitable achievement of global development objectives across EU member states. In the context of EU member states, these disparities can manifest in various ways and have significant implications for sustainable development and social equality. It is necessary to address these urban-related challenges and disparities to ensure the comprehensive implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in EU countries. This paper explores the complex interplay between urbanisation, social development, and the realisation of SDGs in EU countries during the period from 2004 to 2021. Employing the system generalised method of moments (GMM) analysis, this study seeks to empirically validate the hypothesis suggesting that increasing urbanisation is associated with enhanced social equity, which in turn positively influences the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research findings reveal a compelling pattern: as urbanisation experiences growth, it stimulates a simultaneous reduction in social inequities within EU member states. Moreover, this diminishing trend in social inequalities exerts a favourable impact on the attainment of SDGs. This research contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with promoting sustainable development across the diverse urban landscapes of the EU. These findings could lead policymakers to design targeted interventions and strategies aimed at fostering greater equity and inclusivity in the pursuit of the SDGs within the EU context.

Keywords:

social gap, no poverty, green development, sustainable development, urban area.

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Kwilinski, A., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2026). Urbanisation and Social Development among EU Countries within Attaining SDGs. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 14(2), 31–49. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL14_NO2_2

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