Main news from Brussels this week
date: 09/02/2018
EC forecasts solid and lasting expansion for the EU economy
The EU economy is set to continue its robust performance in 2018 and 2019 with growth of 2.3% and 2% respectively in the euro area and EU. However, UK GDP growth is expected to remain subdued at 1.4% in 2018 and 1.1% in 2019, the European Commission said in its winter 2018 interim economic forecast released on 7 February.
Western Balkans strategy
The Commission adopted on 6 February a strategy for 'A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans'. The strategy spells out the priorities and areas of joint reinforced cooperation, addressing the specific challenges the Western Balkans face, in particular the need for fundamental reforms and good neighbourly relations. The European Commission announced six flagship initiatives – specific steps that the EU will take over the next years to support the transformation efforts of the Western Balkans in areas of mutual interest. These include strengthening the rule of law, reinforcing cooperation on security and migration, expanding the EU energy union to the Western Balkans and lowering roaming charges and rolling out broadband in the region. The strategy also underlines the need for the EU to be prepared to welcome new members once they have met the criteria.
All this week's key European Commission announcements can be found here