Germany has been politically reunited for more than 20 years, yet a division remains not only economically, but in the standard of living between east and west. The attainment of equality remains a high priority objective. In the study "Zukunft Ost" we take stock of developments made in the east over the past two decades, shining a light where progress is still to be made.

Our study examines these important questions:

• How far has Germany come along the road towards reaching equality economically and when it comes to living conditions?
• What does the road ahead look like for Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen-Anhalt, Sachsen and Thüringen? What goals and targets should be set?
• What measures can and must be taken to ensure the process of catch up continues?

It is clear to see that action is required in order for comparable chances to exist across modern Germany. Closing the economic gap between east and west is an attainable goal that can be achieved with the right level of political desire and sufficient financial resources.