Europe and Central Asia has the highest income per capita among all developing regions. Level of per capita income has been rising rapidly since 2004, and nearly doubled through 2004-2007. Since the beginning of the transition decade, when poverty rose in many countries of Europe and Central Asia, there has been a robust turn around with all countries having begun to experience positive economic growth. This is likely to continue but at a more moderate pace than in recent years. While growth is leading to poverty reduction in some countries, either growth will need to accelerate or the degree to which the poor benefit from the growth will need to rise to boost prospects for meeting the poverty reduction goal region-wide.

Universal primary education appears achievable across most of the region, although in several countries improvements in enrollment and completion rates would need to rise above the observed trend for the MDG target to be met. Gender equity in education does not appear to be a significant issue with the MDG targets being close to or already having been met. Decline in the quality and inclusiveness of education raises some concerns. Some countries, such as Moldova, face shortage of qualified teachers and lack the funding for adequate learning materials and resources.

For most countries in the region (predominantly Commonwealth of Independent States) the child mortality MDGs are unlikely to be met. Progress with under-five mortality rate may be limited because utilization rates at secondary hospitals are often lower than international averages and there are concerns about quality and out-of-pocket payments acting as barriers to care.

HIV/AIDS is a significant issue for Europe and Central Asia which is experiencing the world's fastest growing HIV epidemic. HIV prevalence rate for population ages 15-49 has nearly doubled between 2001 and 2007. Denial, stigma, and the institutional challenges of providing services to marginalized and vulnerable sub-populations jeopardize progress to combating HIV/AIDS in this region.

Although Europe and Central Asia appears to be doing well with access to improved water, there has been little investment in water infrastructure, so water quality is becoming a serious issue. Progress towards providing universal access to improved sanitation facilities has been slow. Two thirds of countries with adequate data are unlikely to meet the target for 2015.

Goal 1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Goal 2. Achieve universal primary education

Goal 3. Promote gender equality and empower women

Goal 4. Reduce child mortality

Goal 5. Improve maternal health

Goal 6. Combat HIV / AIDS Malaria & other diseases

Goal 7. Ensure environmental sustainability