In the past, economic development was based on exploiting natural resources. Fortunately, countries recognised this and developed new approaches improving people’s lives but also ensuring a healthy environment, such as the shift to a green economy, where generating income and protecting the environment go hand in hand.
In 2013 the European Union and its Eastern partnership countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine - committed to the transition towards a green economy (EaPGREEN). Basically, the EU strategically supports governments and businesses in greening their activities: sustainable development aspects are therefore introduced into national legislations.
