Communication ‘Annual Growth Survey 2018’

Further information:

The document was published in the framework of the launch of the 2018 European Semester.

This Annual Growth Survey (AGS) calls on Member States to increase productivity and long-term growth. The Commission recommends the need for further structural reforms. It also argues that fiscal policies should strike the appropriate balance between ensuring the sustainability of public finances and supporting the economic expansion. The Commission urged Member States to see it as a priority the reduction of debt levels and the reconstruction of fiscal buffers.

The importance of social fairness was also highlighted with the inclusion of the principles and rights of the European Pillar of Social Rights in the European Semester.

The European Commission published on 22 November 2017 the annual Annual Growth Survey (AGS), which identifies the economic and social priorities for the European Union (EU) and its Member States for the year ahead.

The Council of the European Union adopted on 23 January 2018 a set of conclusions on the AGS.

• Primary Source

European Commission: COM(2017)690 [in English - Alternative Link] http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2017/EN/COM-2017-690-F1-EN-MAIN-PART-1.PDF

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 23.01.18: Council conclusions on macroeconomic and fiscal guidance to the member states (annual growth survey) http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/01/23/council-conclusions-on-macroeconomic-and-fiscal-guidance-to-the-member-states-annual-growth-survey/

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