Are we on track? Assessing the dynamics of European sustainable development

Understanding the factors that influence sustainable development is a matter of urgency. Fortunately, a number of analytical approaches now make it possible to assess the prospects for achieving adequate livelihoods in Europe and around the world - and for maintaining them in generations to come. 
These include:

• conceptual models based on the extendeddefinition of wealth
• increasingly sophisticated environmental,economic and - to some extent - socialassessment techniques
• experience of supporting policy makers and dealing with institutional aspects.

We recommend setting up a carefully chosen network of authoritative organisations - across disciplines and regions - to start making European sustainable development assessments now.