7. Conclusion

Over the past four decades, the European Union has required companies to take increasing account of the environmental factor, and the adoption of sustainable development as a global development model has broadened the scope of concerns. The social dimension – relating to the degree of human integration – and the cultural dimension – determining the degree of relationship with the world – have been added to that of taking care of the ecosystem and its interrelations with the degree of value creation inherent in every company's activity.

Europe's 7th programme, entitled "Living Well Within Our Planet's Limits", continues the implementation of sustainable development, placing even greater emphasis on activities that protect natural capital, transform towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy, and safeguard human health and well-being. To ensure that economic...