The 2002 national strategy for sustainable development of the Federal Government has made sustainability a fundamental principle of Germany’s policy. To measure the effectiveness of the strategy, a set of sustainability indicators was specified for several thematic fields at the political level. Furthermore, both target values and years were assigned to the majority of these indicators. At two-year intervals, the indicator trends have been reflected and analysed in an indicator report. The Federal Statistical Office has been responsible for compiling the reports the latest of which is the 2010 indicator report.

To determine the progress made with regard to each specific challenge of sustainability, the European Communities’ strategy for sustainable development makes it necessary to monitor the development of a large number of indicators. In 2005, a first set of indicators was adopted by the Commission. The indicators were reviewed in 2007 to bring them into harmony with the adjusted strategy. Apart from socio-economic trends, the sustainable development indicators (SDIs) cover, among other things, demographic changes, climate change and natural resources.


Version: 2.25.5 / 20.10.2008