“Agenda 2010 contains sweeping structural reforms. These reforms will once again make Germany a leader in economic prosperity and employment. They will ensure fairness for each generation and strengthen the foundations of our commonwealth.”

Gerhard Schröder, speech at the Bundestag, 14 March 2003

The chancellorship of Gerhard Schröder was an era of far-reaching social and economic reforms. The core element of Schröder’s reform policy was Agenda 2010. It helped to increase the competitiveness of the German economy and safeguard Germany’s industrial base while creating millions of new jobs. At the same time, the Schröder administration kicked off a green revolution by committing itself to the elimination of nuclear power and the expansion of renewable energy. In the area of social policy, the government steered a progressive course, introducing measures for the active integration of minorities, for equal rights for gays and lesbians, and for a forward-thinking family policy.