Ireland in 3rd spot in new EU Performance Index
Gerry O'Sullivan
Posted: 1 March, 2021
Ireland is placed 3rd in a new EU ranking that compares member states across four dimensions – economic, social, environmental and governance, over 2010-2019. Known as the Transitions Performance Index (TPI), the dimensions are seen as the basis for a transition towards
a model of equitable, fair and sustainable prosperity. Denmark and Netherlands occupy the top two positions with Ireland also ranked in 5th spot globally just behind the UK with Switzerland at the top. Ireland’s progress in the period since 2010 of just over 10% is above the EU average of 6.5%.
The Transitions Performance Index (TPI) 2020 is the first edition of this new composite indicator, which are outcome-oriented in order to present to the public and policymakers the combined impact of the policy mix implemented in each country. Using comparable international data, the TPI covers countries representing 91 % of global gross domestic product. Using a ‘beyond GDP’ approach, it enables a comparison of country performances in progressing towards fair, equitable and sustainable prosperity.
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth comments “The EU has taken the lead with the ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050. This ambition of the European Green Deal, endorsed by the European Parliament and the European Council last year, is today more valid than ever. We are not just rebuilding the economy post Covid-19, we are rebuilding it better!
In order to do this, we need an adequate measure to gauge our progress, orient our actions and evaluate the impact of the measures taken. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) proved an adequate measure during the era when maximising the quantity of growth was the primary goal of economic policy. GDP alone is no longer sufficient to capture the complexity and nuanced nature of the challenges the world currently faces. We must continue to invest in the future but in a responsible manner, and therefore need a common compass that allows countries to make their choices with complete sovereignty.”
