In an open letter to heads of state and government of the EU, the non-governmental organisations underscore the need for urgent action to tackle growing inequalities and the climate crisis, as well as to prevent the rapid loss of biodiversity.

The NGOs also draw attention to the need to ensure “sustainable consumption and production” and manage a “fair transition” towards an economic system based on well-being and quality.

The letter calls on European leaders at their European Council to adopt a strategic agenda for the period from 2019 to 2024 that makes "sustainable development the overall objective of the European Union's priorities, both within and outside Europe, at least for the next five years."

In the view of the NGOs, there will only be "real and lasting change" if sustainable development cuts across all EU policies.

The economy, they argue, should no longer be seen just as a means to create 'prosperity' and 'competitiveness' but rather as a tool to promote inclusive, sustainable and fair societies that meet everyone's needs, within the limits set by the planet, “its precious resources and the boundaries of its vital ecosystems," the letter argues.

According to the environmentalists, "all that is lacking is political will". They recall the demonstrations in many cities calling attention to the need for action on the climate and the extinction of the species, women's rights and socio-economic justice.