THE CHALLENGE UNDER PLASTIC: GREEN POLICIES IN THE MECCA OF GREENHOUSES. Assessing the Implementation of the European Green Deal in Almería's Greenhouse Agriculture

Abstract

This thesis studies challenges in implementing the European Union's policy on sustainable greenhouse cultivation in the region of Almería, El Ejido, Spain, with a particular focus on power, capacity, and politicization. Previous research indicates that a perceived gap between EU directives and local realities, along with the limited capacity of local stakeholders to influence policymaking, significantly impedes the implementation of sustainable policy practices. Through qualitative methodology, including interviews with key stakeholders, this study identifies administrative and economic constraints that hinder the effective implementation of the European Green Deal. Additionally, it emphasizes how power imbalances within the EU and the politicization of environmental policies contribute to policy implementation resistance at the local level. The findings underscore the necessity for greater inclusion of local actors in the decision-making process and for adaptive policies that align with the specific capacities in affected regions. The thesis suggests that enhancing legitimacy, building capacity, and balancing power dynamics are essential for effectively implementing sustainable agricultural policies within the EU.