Sustainable development and the green economy have become central pillars of the
European Union’s agenda. This article examines the EU’s role in shaping environmental
policies and the development of green business through a comparative analysis between
Albania a candidate country with a Stabilization and Association Agreement in force and
Lithuania, an EU member state that has already undergone the alignment process with EU
environmental standards. By analyzing the legal framework, national strategies, and
institutional practices in both countries, the study aims to highlight the similarities,
differences, and the actual influence of EU mechanisms in steering green policy
frameworks. The findings suggest that, while the EU acts as a significant political and
financial driver, domestic institutional context and administrative capacities remain critical
factors for effective policy implementation. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need
for differentiated support according to the stage of EU integration, and for strengthening
cooperation mechanisms between member states and candidate countries to ensure a
meaningful transition to a green economy.
Keywords: European Union, Environmental Policy, Green Economy, Albania, Lithuania,
Stabilization and Association Agreement, Sustainable Development