For the first time, the German government has presented an „Equivalence Report“ that analyses in detail the living conditions in Germany's very different urban and rural districts. At first glance, the results are very encouraging. The economic, social, societal and ecological differences between the many regions have apparently decreased in recent years. The only problem is that the subjective perceptions of the population often contradict the objectively measurable developments. This is also shown by the report, which is based on thousands of interviews. The recent European elections have also shown that Germany is currently characterised not by growing together but rather by increasing division – between cities and rural areas or between East and West. What's more, many regions that are currently experiencing more robust growth are likely to be slowed down again in the foreseeable future by demographic developments.

Even if the mood for individual indicators and in individual regions is sometimes better and sometimes worse than the situation, there can be no talk of standardised, equivalent living conditions in Germany in 2024. This is also made abundantly clear by the 226-page report. For example, 46% of city dwellers surveyed consider their region to be in an above-average position when it comes to attracting and founding new companies. In sparsely populated areas, this figure is only 12%. Almost three-quarters of city dwellers say that their town has a lively centre with sufficient shops and restaurants. In sparsely populated areas, the figure is only 11%. And so on.

The Equality Report does not offer any political solutions. But with a view to the three upcoming state elections in eastern Germany in September, it contains many explanations for the – justified or unfounded – dissatisfaction of many people in those regions. Hopefully, it won't just immediately disappear into some drawer.