2019 European Semester Winter Package

Summary:

Winter Package of the 2019 cycle of the European Semester, published by the European Commission on 27 February 2019.

Further information:

In this framework, the European Commission published a set of documents:

• A set of 28 Country Reports, including In-Depth Reviews (IDRs) for 13 countries identified in the annual Alert Mechanism Report;
• A Communication on the main findings of the Country Reports;
• An Opinion on the 2019 Draft Budgetary Plan (DBP) of Slovenia;
• The second Enhanced Surveillance Report for Greece;
• The Annual Work Programme of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP);
• The updated Employment Guidelines for 2019;
• A Progress Report on the Council Recommendation on 'Upskilling Pathways: new opportunities for adults'
• A Progress Report on the Council Recommendation on the establishment of National Productivity Boards.

In its annual assessment of the economic and social situation in the Member States, the European Commission highlighted the need to promote investment, pursue responsible fiscal policies and implement well-designed reforms.

The Winter Package is part of the annual cycle of economic policy coordination at EU level, the European Semester. It follows the publication of the Autumn Package, which launches the cycle. While the latter set the priorities for the year ahead at EU level, the Winter Package zooms in on the national dimension of the European Semester. It is based on the data published by the European Commission's Winter 2019 Economic Forecast and builds on the continuous dialogue between European Commission and Member States' authorities and stakeholders. The Country Reports provide the underpinning for the Member States to develop their national programmes.

Commentary and Analysis

Bruegel: Blog, 26/02/2019: What to look out for in the latest European Semester package http://bruegel.org/2019/02/what-to-look-out-for-in-the-latest-european-semester-package/

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News

EurActiv, 27/02/2019: Commission calls for reforms to combat economic slowdown https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/commission-calls-for-reforms-to-combat-economic-slowdown/

RTÉ News, 27/02/2019: EU sees economic splits as half of member states face differing gaps https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0227/1033167-eu-sees-economic-splits-as-states-face-differing-gaps/

Reuters, 27/02/2019: Italy has excessive economic imbalances, a risk to euro zone - EU https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKL5N20M3J0

Politico, 27/02/2019: Brussels warns Italy, Greece over high debt and bad loans https://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-warns-italy-greece-over-high-debt-and-bad-loans/

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Official

European Commission: Press Release, 27/02/2019: European Semester Winter Package: assessing Member States' progress on economic and social priorities http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-19-1389_en.htm

European Commission: Fact Sheet, 27/02/2019: European Semester 2019: Winter Package explained http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-19-1368_en.htm

European Commission: Opening remarks by Vice-President Dombrovskis on the European Semester Winter Package, 27 February 2019 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-19-1453_en.htm

European Commission: Speech by Commissioner Thyssen on the 2019 European Semester Winter Package, 27 February 2019 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-19-1452_en.htm

European Commission: Opening remarks by Commissioner Moscovici on the European Semester Winter Package, 27 February 2019 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-19-1450_en.htm

Eurogroup: Statement on the updated draft budgetary plans of Slovenia for 2019, 01 March 2019 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/03/01/eurogroup-statement-on-the-updated-draft-budgetary-plans-of-slovenia-for-2019/

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