European Union
First European Semester of economic policy coordination: towards stronger growth and economic governance
June 2011
As part of its 2020 Strategy, the EU has implemented and concluded at the June European Council its new working method aiming at coordinating national and European economic policies: the European Semester. Several steps divide this new tool, from the presentation of the main socio-economic challenges by the Commission (Annual Growth Survey and Joint Employment Report) to the endorsement of the country-specific recommendations by the European Council.
 | This method will lead to better economic governance, as it ensures that key priorities are discussed at EU level before decisions are taken at national level. Thus, general guidelines and EU goals should be inserted into national policy-making and national agendas before taking decision on public finances, national budget or fiscal system. Furthermore, the coordination of economic policies allows the EU to decide on complementary actions to be taken at EU level considering national efforts and strategies. The guidance presented by the European institutions should now be implemented by Member States and reflected in their policies for 2011 and 2012. As the ending period is the first semester of a ten years economic programme, a report on the national implementation will be held by the European Commission in 2014. |
Read the Commission's communication concluding the European Semester
Read the Council's conclusions on 23/24 June 2011
The European Commission has published a report on the social dimension of the EU 2020 strategy
March 2011
The Social Protection Committee examined in this report actions to promote social inclusion and reduce poverty in the framework of the strategy's objectives (lifting 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion). Current and future challenges and policy options for addressing them are also identified and analysed: adequate and sustainable reform of social protection and pension systems, active inclusion strategies and long-term care.
 | In light of the recent economic and financial crisis, this report calls for improving the capacity of Member States and the European Commission to properly assess social impacts of major policies (efficient indicators are needed to fully reflect the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion). Well designed employment and education policies are an absolute necessity, as one in five people in the EU is currently at-risk-of-poverty. In a context of economic austerity and ageing population, the Social Protection Committee stressed the importance of setting up innovative solutions, linking EU funds to EU 2020 social objectives and ensuring an integrated and coherent approach between relevant policies. Decision-makers must identify clear priorities combining efficiency and fairness, in order to take full advantage of recovery. |
A new path for Europe's future development
February 2010
Following a custom of the European institutions to define their priorities and set a specific agenda for their future policies, the European Commission has launched in November 2009 a paper to evaluate the outcomes of the Lisbon Strategy and set the basis for the development of further policy initiatives. The aim of this new strategy, which is still being defined by the European Commission, is to enable a full recovery from the economic and financial crisis (whose effects are still fully visible) and, at the same time, to bring to a new European economic and social model based on green development, sustainability and knowledge.