Economic policies in EU: some progress, challenges remain

The members of the European Parliament and the parliaments of the Member States took stock of the annual cycle of coordination of economic and social policies at EU level, known as the European Semester, during the Week of the European Parliament in Brussels which took place on 18 to February 19. They claim that economic reforms in the Member States have generated growth, but recognize that the EU continues to face great challenges.

Economic Progress

Participants pointed out that the EU economies have been positive in recent years. They stressed that no country in the eurozone will have a budget deficit of more than 3% of GDP by 2019, that 240 million Europeans have jobs and have lived 21 uninterrupted quarters of growth, among others.

Further reforms needed

Other participants in the conference stressed that the prospects for the future seem uncertain, as the Commission’s forecasts show that growth in the EU is slower. The challenges mentioned include population aging, digitization, commercial wars and brexit.

Social policies

Many speakers argued that the European Semester also has to do with social policies and reforms. Since 2018, the social indicators table has analyzed the positive way in which Europe is implementing social policies. About one third of the recommendations issued by the Member States within the European Semester are social and educational. That is why other participants questioned the coherence between the recommendations related to economic policies and those of social policy and education.

For more information

Access to the complete news Factsheet: Social Priorities Under The Juncker Commission Press release: Parliaments agree on the next steps for economic and monetary union (in English)