The paper aims at pointing out the similarity of ordoliberal concept of social market economy and sustainable development concept. The article consists of the concept of sustainable development characteristics, EU initiatives in the name of sustainable development and the relationship between ordoliberal concept of social market economy and sustainable development concept. The sustainable development concept ushered in by decisions of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janerio became indeed a real social process. Sustainable development is a deep-seated value of the European Union and encompasses issues of great importance to citizens, whether it be maintaining and increasing long-term prosperity, addressing climate change or working towards a safe, healthy and socially inclusive society. The idea of sustainable developmentis about including natural environmental in social and economic development of a region, a country or as a global perspective, a whole world. The idea presents a number of solutions leading to protection of three elements of civilization development: society, nature and economic. The combination of economic targets with social (ecological too) targets is also very characteristic to the ordoliberal concept of social market economy. This concept combines material aspects with an accomplishment of social values (freedom of mankind, social equality and justice). It shows that it is possible to tolerate logical and unquestionable market economy regulations in order to guarantee the respect of human rights and environmental protection. The link between sustainable development and ordoliberal concept of social market economy is incontestable. Both concepts promote the reduction of increasing negative phenomenon in the economy and society.
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