Helsinki, Finland – July 24, 2025 — As the European Commission tables its first proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a group of leading researchers and policy experts is inviting European policymakers to reconsider how to measure the funding’s success. Analysis by the MERGE project suggests that adopting a framework focused on Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing (SIW) is essential for the EU to translate its historic levels of spending into tangible improvements for the wellbeing of Europeans.
The proposal comes as the EU commits to ambitious social and environmental targets in its 2028-2034 budget. To build on these commitments, the analysis suggests the need for a robust monitoring framework that considers environmental, social, and economic metrics equally.
“We analysed over 200 alternative indicators and found a strong consensus on what everyone thinks needs to be measured. Most of the overlap could be captured with around 20 components,” said Professor Robert Costanza, University College London. “Based on this, we developed an indicator synthesising 19 components to build the needed consensus in reaching a holistic, wellbeing-focused monitoring programme.”
The SIW framework
The analysis, detailed in a new blog post, outlines a Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing (SIW) framework built on three core pillars:
- Current Wellbeing: Measuring determinants of a good life, such as health, education, employment, and security.
- Future Wellbeing (Sustainability): Assessing conditions for future generations, including climate stability, biodiversity, and innovation capacity.
- Distribution of Wellbeing (Inclusion): Gauging the equitable distribution of wellbeing across all social groups and regions, addressing issues like gender and income inequality.
Key recommendations
The analysis recommends three key actions:
- Embed meaningful metrics into policy design from the start.
- Use technology to create smarter monitoring systems without adding bureaucracy.
- Strengthen political buy-in for long-term goals.
A key barrier to such frameworks has often been a lack of consensus on what to measure. However, research from the MERGE project and beyond highlights that wellbeing indicators across different frameworks are converging around a core set of about 20 components. This knowledge can greatly support the MFF and other EU monitoring frameworks in focusing on what truly matters when measuring progress.
For more information and to read the full analysis, visit the blog.
About the MERGE project
MERGE is a Horizon Europe-funded Coordination and Support Action (CSA) project that aims to find pathways towards inclusive and sustainable wellbeing. MERGE consists of 16 partners, encompassing research, technical, policy, and civil society organisations.
Media contact
Ly Le
Communications Expert
Demos Helsinki | MERGE
ly.le@demoshelsinki.fi | +358449784988
