On 8 March, the Commission unveiled its strategy for a financial system that supports the EU's climate and sustainable development agenda.
The European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EU launched a new programme on 7 March committed to helping SMEs obtain advice for sustainable growth.
In November of last year, the Commission launched in-depth reviews for 12 Member States to analyse whether they were experiencing macroeconomic imbalances and to assess the gravity of these imbalances.
As every year, the European Semester Winter Package includes Country Reports which assess Member States' progress in tackling their main economic and social challenges and in implementing past Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs).
"Europe sees the highest growth rate in a decade. Investment is picking up. Employment is at record levels and the unemployment rate is almost where it was before the crisis. The share of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion has fallen to pre-crisis level. Public finances are improving. And our banking sector is better capitalised."
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 European Semester: Analysing countries' economies
Public consultation on the review of the SME definition. Deadline 6 May 2018.
Public consultation on EU funds in the area of investment, research & innovation, SMEs and single market. Deadline 8 March 2018.
What do Rodin, Giotto, Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice and Finland’s independence have in common?
In the latest edition of Real Economy, Euronews examines what is being done to strengthen Europe's banks. Since the financial crisis, Europe has been building a banking union to make banks more stable.
Ahead of the Informal Leaders’ meeting on 23 February, the Commission presented practical steps that could make the EU’s work more efficient and improve the connection between the leaders of the EU institutions and European citizens.
On 14 February, ahead of the Informal Leaders' meeting on 23 February, the Commission presented various options – and their financial consequences – for a new and modern, long-term EU budget that delivers efficiently on its priorities after 2020.
On 22 February, the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Erste Bank Hungary, signed a guarantee agreement to support EUR 67 million of loans and leases to innovative Hungarian companies.
At their meeting on 20 February, EU finance ministers discussed the recommendations of a high-level group of experts on sustainable finance. The EU’s sustainable finance strategy will contribute to implementing the UN’s 2015 climate change agreement.
"We need to make the best possible use of the time between now and the June Euro Summit. As I have said before, there is a window of opportunity to take these decisions and it will not remain open for long."
Meeting on 19 February, Euro area finance ministers received a briefing on the progress achieved by Greece in implementing the remaining prior actions under the third review of the country’s economic adjustment programme. Of all 110 prior actions, only two are outstanding.
Public consultation on EU funds in the area of investment, research & innovation, SMEs and single market. Deadline 8 March 2018.
Public consultation on building a proportionate regulatory environment to support SME listing. Deadline 26 February 2018.
Public consultation on fake news and online disinformation. Deadline 23 February 2018.
