The Federal Planning Bureau (FPB) is a public agency. The FPB makes studies and projections on economic, social and environmental policy issues and on their integration within the context of sustainable development. For that purpose, the FPB collects and analyses data, explores plausible evolutions, identifies alternatives, evaluates the impact of policy measures and formulates proposals. Government, parliament, social partners and national and international institutions appeal to the FPB's scientific expertise. The FPB provides a large diffusion of its activities. The public is informed of the results of its research activities, which contributes to the democratic debate.