Federal Report on Living Standards (DE0047)

What is the public problem that the commitment will address? The establishment of equivalent living conditions is an important goal for the Federal Govern- ment. Whether urban or rural, disadvantaged or prosperous, whether in the east, west, north or south – everywhere in Germany should be attractive, liveable and economically successful. Various federal ministries are endeavouring to make that happen with, among other measures, a range of support programmes. However, there is a need for more comprehensive information about the effectiveness of the different measures. Furthermore, people and institutions on the ground need to be included so that their perception of measures and progress can be evaluated and appropriate further action taken.

What is the commitment? In 2024, the Federal Government will present its first report on the convergence of living standards. It is to be built on three pillars: (1) analysis of the spatial impact and evaluation of the Federal Funding System for Structural Development Regions, (2) state of play and progress made on establishing equivalent living conditions, measured using a system of indicators and questionnaire-based surveys, and (3) focus group workshops on aspects of equivalent living conditions with people from different regions of Germany.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem? For the first report on the convergence of living standards, the impact of the programmes within the Federal Funding System for Structural Development Regions will be examined in the interests of accountability. Plans are in place for a survey of the population at district level to gauge people’s opinions, attitudes and subjective sense of well-being. Focus group workshops are also to be held with people from different regions who are involved in these matters.

Why is this commitment relevant to OGP values? In producing this report, the Federal Government will be creating systematic transparency for the first time in relation to the status and progress of the drive to establish equivalent living conditions. The knowledge gained can be used for future political decisions in the interests of evidence-based policy. The commitment is relevant in terms of public participa- tion thanks to the various consultation stages.

Additional information: The publication of the report on the convergence of living standards will put into practice one of the projects specified in the coalition agreement for the 20th legislative term (p. 102).

Milestone activity with a verifiable deliverable | Start date - Implementation by

Presentation of an expert opinion for pillar 1 (analysis of spatial impact and Federal Funding System for Structural Development Regions) | April 2023 - April 2024

Presentation of an expert opinion for pillar 2 (creation of a set of indicators; development and conduct of a questionnaire-based survey) | May 2023 - May 2024

Beta version for test purposes | August 2023 - April 2024

Adoption of the report in Cabinet | 2nd quarter of 2024