The German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) provides independent advice to the Federal Government on matters of sustainability and future policy and has been newly appointed every three years since 2001. It consists of 15 public figures from business, civil society, science, and politics. The RNE provides impetus for political and social dialogue. In addition, it conducts its own projects through which sustainability is advanced in practical terms. The Council is supported by an office based in Berlin.
On 28 January 2026, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz newly appointed the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE). Eight people are joining the body for the first time, while seven are continuing their work on the Council. We will be introducing them on this page shortly. At their constituent meeting in February 2026, the council members will elect a new chair from among themselves.
Press release dated 28 January 2026: Council for Sustainable Development newly appointed [in German]
What does the Council do?
The Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) consists of 15 public figures from business, civil society, science, and politics. It was first appointed by the Federal Government in April 2001. A brochure with short biographies of all council members from the 2023-2025 council period is available here for download [in German].
The Council is tasked with:
The Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) advises the German federal government on sustainability policy.
The RNE implements its own projects to drive sustainable development in practice.
The RNE promotes political and social dialogue.
In selecting the topics it deals with and the forms of action it employs, the Council operates independently. Results of its ongoing work include the German Sustainability Code; recommendations regarding the German Sustainable Development Strategy, the global Sustainable Development Goals, climate policy, raw materials policy, circular economy and fiscal sustainability. The Council brings mayors together for the ‘Sustainable City’ dialogue and networks stakeholders and citizens through the German Sustainability Action Days. The Council is supported in its activities by an administrative office.
Further details of its work and functioning can be found in its Rules of Procedure.
Council Members
On January 28, 2026, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz newly appointed the Council for Sustainable Development (RNE). We will be introducing all council members on this page shortly. Until then, you can find initial information about the new council appointments here.
Press release dated 28 January 2026: Council for Sustainable Development newly appointed [in German]
Work programme
Office
Our Berlin-based office supports the Council members in their work.
Rules of Procedure
Here you will find the rules of procedure of the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) in the version of 17 January 2020.
