The European Semester: why and how

Introduced in 2010, the European Semester enables the EU member countries to coordinate their economic policies throughout the year and address the economic challenges facing the EU. Find out more about the goals of the European Semester and the role of the different EU institutions.

Goals of the European Semester

  • ensuring sound public finances (avoiding excessive government debt)
  • preventing excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the EU supporting
  • structural reforms, to create more jobs and growth
  • boosting investment.

Role of the Commission

Each year, the Commission undertakes a detailed analysis of each country's plans for budget, macroeconomic and structural reforms. It then provides EU governments with country-specific recommendations for the next 12-18 months.

It also monitors EU countries' efforts towards the "Europe 2020" targets.

Role of the Council

The Commission proposals are endorsed and formally adopted by the Council. 

Role of EU governments

Any policy decisions in response to the country-specific recommendations are made by the national government in question, based on whatever action they deem appropriate