First "European Semester" (Communication)

The “European Semester“ serves to contribute to the yearly ex-ante economic policy coordination of Member States. On the basis of National Reform Programmes, the EU issues country-specific recommendations for action. The implementation of these measures is to eliminate macro-economic imbalances and to serve the targets of the “Europe 2020” strategy.

cepPolicyBrief

Most of the recommendations are suitable for reducing the indebtedness of Member States and increasing their competitiveness. However, they should remain focused on the compliance with stability criteria and not use national budget planning as a means to implement EU targets. The call for a “strategic” use of investments in public procurement is harmful to economic growth.