EU mulls indicators to measure wellbeing ‘beyond GDP’

The European Commission adopted in August 2009 a Communication called 'GDP and beyond - Measuring progress in a changing world'. EurActiv reports that it is a roadmap for developing new environmental and social indicators to measure the real prosperity and wellbeing of nations beyond traditional GDP. The reflections could affect the strategic goals of the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs.

The article also refers to the 'Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress' set up by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008 and due to report in September 2009.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 22.1.10: France devises sustainable development barometer http://www.euractiv.com/sustainability/france-devises-sustainable-devel-news-223399

Website: France: Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress http://www.stiglitz-sen-fitoussi.fr/en/index.htm

ESO: Background information: EU mulls indicators to measure wellbeing 'beyond GDP' http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-mulls-indicators-to-measure-wellbeing-beyond-gdp/

European Commission: COM (2009)433: GDP and beyond : measuring progress in a changing world http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0433:FIN:EN:PDF

EurActiv, 21.10.09: EU to develop indicators for eco-efficient economy http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/eu-develop-indicators-eco-efficient-economy/article-186605

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