At the end of the 2015 European Semester Cycle, Eurodiaconia compiled a comprehensive assessment of positive and negative trends on the basis of its members’ observations. Drawing on input received from members from Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania, it analysed the social dimension of Semester cornerstones like the 2015 Annual Growth Survey, National Reform Programmes and Country-Specific Recommendations.
Members’ perceptions of the European Semester have become increasingly negative since its introduction in 2010. The main observation of the report is that the European Semester still lacks a strong social dimension and is drifting away from the original Europe2020 Strategy, that attempts to harmonise economic and social priorities are unsatisfying, and that the democratic legitimacy of the process is undermined through the limited involvement of national parliaments, social partners and civil society.
Using concrete examples, the report compares member experiences and analyses in various EU Member States, and formulates key recommendations on governance and content for the upcoming 2016 Semester cycle. To read the full report, please click here.