GDP and beyond / complementary indicators

EESC opinion: GDP and beyond / complementary indicators

Key points:

  • The EESC has continuously contributed to the process of monitoring the progress made – at European level – in preparing complementary indicators to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • With the present opinion, the EESC wishes to present its own stance on ways to involve civil society in the process of framing these indicators.
  • The EESC takes account of the indications of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
  • It also takes account of the calls from the European Commission.
  • The EESC notes, however, that there is strong resistance when it comes to implementing alternative social and environmental indicators.
  • In evaluating society's well-being, the EESC believes in particular that account must be taken of social variables, with special reference to inequalities, and of environmental variables.