East Asia plays a crucial role in the contemporary world, not only as a center of rapid economic growth but also as a region facing challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the context of global efforts towards sustainable development, the role of East Asia is becoming increasingly significant due to its impact on the world economy and the environment. It seems evident that without considerable involvement from Asia, including East Asia, achieving the SDGs globally will be impossible. This book presents both European and Asian perspectives on sustainability issues in East Asia, emphasizing the economic, political and legal characteristics of the East Asian region, understood as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states plus China, Japan, and South Korea, (ASEAN plus three). This is a significant backdrop for further in-depth research on selected dimensions of sustainability in East Asia, which are particularly important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It explores various aspects that constitute the region's pursuit of sustainable development, analysing them from the perspective of several dimensions. These include the normative-institutional dimension of cooperation among East Asian countries in implementing sustainable development; the promotion of sustainable trade in the region; sustainable consumption and production as a central challenge to East Asia’s sustainability; and the role of the services sector in advancing SDG targets related to decent work.

The book’s interdisciplinary approach makes it a useful guide for researchers, scholars and students specializing in sustainable development, development economics, international economics, international law, political sciences, as well as policymakers and activists striving to achieve or promote the SDGs.