Economic growth used to give considerable social and material progress in the past decennia. It was a remarkable step forward for humankind, significantly contributing to the welfare of people – and their happiness - in many parts of the world. However, there is evidence that this no longer the case. In fact, economic growth without limits is nowadays threatening the very survival of the planet Earth. It is time to seek an alternative.

Since the seventies, and repeatedly after, the Club of Rome hit the world headlines by signalling the dreadful trend for humanity if economic growth-as-understood was to keep its pace irrespective of population, environmental degradation, depletion of non-renewable resources, industrialization, and food.

Growth is an encompassing concept and a top economic driver that accounts for the wealth of nations, organizations, and individuals as well. The way and the alternatives to measure the growth substance unavoidably reveal the philosophies, preferences, and intentions that underpin it. The times seem ripe for a massive overhaul of some global accounting notions underpinning the evolution of economy and society.

The debate will bring MEPs, representatives from the European Commission, CoR-EU members, NGO’s and the private sector together.

Welcoming remarks by Herman Van Rompuy, Honorary President CoR-EU, President emeritus European Council