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The European economy is expanding robustly and 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 and provides a window of opportunity to further strengthen the resilience of the EU's economies and societies.Nevertheless, the recovery is not benefitting everybody in society equally and structural weaknesses are holding back growth and convergence in some Member States. That is why EU countries should use this momentum to further strengthen the foundations of their economies.
Today's 27 Country Reports (for all Member States except Greece, which is under a stability support programme) provide the annual analysis by Commission staff on the economic and social situation in Member States, including progress made in implementing Country-Specific Recommendations over the years. This analysis builds on intense dialogue at technical and political level with the Member States, as well as with stakeholders at all levels, as part of the European Semester of policy coordination.
For 12 Member States selected last November for an in-depth review, the Country Reports include an assessment of possible macroeconomic imbalances and the package provides an update of the categorisation of countries under the so-called Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure.
For the first time, the Country Reports put a special emphasis on mainstreaming the priorities of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed in November 2017. A specific focus is put this year on analysing skills challenges and how social safety nets operate at national level. Data from the Social Scoreboard are also used to keep track of employment and social performances.
This 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 European level. It now shifts the focus to the national dimension of the Semester and provides the underpinning for Member States to develop their annual national programmes by mid-April. Together with the Country Reports, the national programmes will be the basis for the Commission's proposals for the next round of Country-Specific Recommendations in May. [...]
Opening remarks by Commissioner Moscovici on the European Semester Winter Package
Opening remarks by Vice-President Dombrovskis on the European Semester Winter Package