The EU coordinates and monitors member states’ economic, budgetary and employment policies in a process known as the European Semester, resulting in these countries receiving guidelines on issues such as taxes, pensions and possible budget cuts. On Tuesday 14 June Parliament’s economic and employment committees debate this year’s recommendations. Watch our explanatory video above for more information.
This week’s meeting
The joint meeting of the economic and empolyment committees takes place on Tuesday 14 June from 16.30 to 18.30 CET. Members are set to to discuss this year’s European Semester with Valdis Dombrovskis, the commissioner responsible for the euro and social dialogue; Pierre Moscovici , the commissioner for economic and financial affairs, taxation and customs; and Marianne Thyssen, the commissioner for employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility.
How the European Semester works
The European Semester starts every year with the European Commission publishing its annual growth surveyin November. This is a growth forecast setting up a framework, which EU countries can use to evaluate their budgetary plans. While strong growth means more revenue, weak growth leads to less revenue.
It ends in June when national governments adopt the recommendations based on the annual growth survey. They have to take these recommendations on board when drafting their budget for the following year.
Throughouth the process Parliament plays an advisory role. It also holds public debates to raise awareness, involves national MPs and ensures the accountability of proposals and decisions by the Commission and the Council.
source: europarl.europa.eu
