The European Semester goals

Introduced in 2010, the European Semester enables Member States to coordinate their economic and social policies throughout the year and address possible challenges the EU may face. Find out more about the goals of the European Semester and the role of the different EU institutions.

Goals of the European Semester

These goals should accompany the twin digital and climate transition and be structured around four dimensions: environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness, macroeconomic stability.

  • 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 Member States’ budgetary plan, its macroeconomic challenges and needs for structural reforms. It then provides EU governments with proposals for country-specific recommendations for the next 12-18 months.

Role of the Council

The Council endorses and formally adopts the Commission proposals. 

Role of EU governments

National governments make policy decisions in response to the country-specific recommendations, based on whatever action they deem appropriate.

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