This paper gives on outline of the indicators that can be used to measure sustainable rural development. The indicators are divided in three groups: environmental, economic and social. The following terms are explained: sustainable development, indicators, their history and use in determining dependence between agriculture, environment and other factors that can affect the entire economy. Sustainable development as a fundamental development approach entails continuous alignment of solutions and decisions in the area of environment, economy and social context. It is achieved through a dynamic economy that enables employment, social, economic and territorial cohesion, health protection, education and environment protection. Implementation of sustainable development demands continuous control and dedication from all social groups. The main condition for achieving sustainable development is conscious and involved population, motivated to participate in decision-making processes, to promote democracy and to improve quality of life. The European Union supports sustainable development and has included all of its dimensions in many of its policies and strategies. Timely data is important for monitoring of the overall situation, but also for adoption of changes that would preserve the environment, the economy and improve the quality of life. The purpose of the paper is to provide an overview of suggested and used economic, environmental and social indicators as tools for measuring sustainable rural development in Europe.