The Commission has published its annual analysis of the economic and social situation in the Member States, including progress in implementing country-specific recommendations and an assessment of possible imbalances. The analysis published on 7 March finds that the European economy is expanding robustly and that the positive economic outlook is matched by an improved labour market and social situation. This reflects the reforms undertaken by Member States in recent years. Nevertheless, the recovery is not benefitting everybody in society equally and structural weaknesses are holding back growth and convergence in some Member States. For this reason, the Commission analysis urges EU countries to use this window of opportunity to further strengthen the foundations of their economies. The European Semester 2018 winter package follows the publication in November of the 2018 Annual Growth Survey and the recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area, which set the priorities for the year ahead at the European level. Based on the Commission analysis, Member States will now develop their annual national programmes by mid-April.