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European Semester Spring Package: Recommendations for a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic

The Commission proposed country-specific recommendations (CSRs) on 20 May that provide economic policy guidance to all EU Member States in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on the most urgent challenges brought about by the pandemic and on relaunching sustainable growth.

date:  20/05/2020

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The recommendations are structured around two objectives: in the short-term, mitigating the coronavirus pandemic's severe negative socio-economic consequences; and in the short to medium-term, achieving sustainable and inclusive growth which facilitates the green transition and the digital transformation. The Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy outlines the Commission's growth strategy, based on promoting competitive sustainability to build an economy that works for people and the planet, while the fiscal CSRs this year are qualitative, departing from the budgetary requirements that would normally apply. They reflect the activation of the general escape clause, recommending that Member States take all necessary measures to effectively address the pandemic, sustain the economy and support the ensuing recovery. When economic conditions allow, fiscal policies should once again aim at achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions and ensuring debt sustainability, while enhancing investment.