European Semester in 2020

This page contains a timeline of events and documents relating to the European Semester in 2020, in reverse chronological order.

The Council approved via written procedure the draft recommendations and opinions on member states' economic and fiscal policies for 2020.

Finance ministers discussed the preparation of country-specific recommendations for this year's European Semester.

The draft recommendations were presented by the European Commission on 20 May. They provide policy guidance tailored to each EU member state on how to boost jobs and growth, while maintaining sound public finances.

Given the severe deterioration of the economic situation in all member states due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the activation of flexibility measures in the Stability and Growth Pact in March 2020, this year's recommendations focus on five broad priority areas:

• investment in healthcare systems
• preservation of employment and addressing the social impact of the crisis
• research and development
• ensuring liquidity provisions and stability of the financial sector
• preserving the single market and the circulation of goods and services

The Council will formally adopt the recommendations after endorsement by the European Council.

• Video conference of economics and finance ministers, 9 June 2020
• EU country-specific recommendations (European Commission)

The Council adopted conclusions on the European Semester 2020 country reports and the implementation of the 2019 country-specific recommendations.

The conclusions reflect the exceptional situation linked to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Council underlines that next to immediate measures for minimising the loss of life and reducing economic damages, it remains crucial to address structural challenges and vulnerabilities in order to sustain the recovery from the crisis. Reform efforts and high-quality investment are key to this end, in particular to strengthen economic resilience and facilitate the transition to a sustainable, digitalised and carbon neutral economy and respond to the challenges of population ageing. The European Semester provides the framework for continued economic policy coordination in the EU, as well as for identification of new emerging challenges. Council conclusions, 19 May 2020

• Video conference of economics and finance ministers, 19 May 2020

Ministers agreed on the simplification of information requirements for this year's cycle of the European Semester.

Given the high degree of uncertainty as a result of the socio-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission put forward a simplified process for this year's European Semester exercise. This is intended to preserve the European Semester's main milestones, while taking into account the challenging times member states are facing.

In particular, there would be a streamlined approach for the submission of national reform and stability or convergence programmes (NRPs and SCPs) by member states. The Commission expects to present its Spring forecast, as well as draft country-specific recommendations in early May 2020.

• Video conference of economics and finance ministers, 16 April 2020

EU environment ministers discussed the environmental dimension of the European Semester. The Semester is an opportunity to integrate environmental concerns into broader economic and investment policies. The mainstreaming of environmental policies is an obligation stemming from the treaties and responds to the ever more pressing need to achieve a sustainable society. 

• Environment Council, 5 March 2020

On the basis of a presidency note, the Council had an exchange of views on the findings of the Single market performance report.

Ministers broadly agreed on the need for a holistic approach regarding the integration of the single market, while at the same time focusing on specific areas with untapped potential, such as services.

• Competitiveness Council, 27-28 February 2020

Education ministers adopted a resolution aiming at ensuring informed debates on reforms and investment in education and training. The resolution calls for appropriate involvement of education ministers in the European Semester when issues related to education and training are discussed.

• Council resolution on education and training in the European Semester, 20 February 2020

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council approved a recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for the year 2020. The recommendation will be formally adopted by the European Council in March.

• European Semester 2020: Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area (press release, 18 February 2020)

The Council received the European Commission's autumn package of documents for the 2020 European Semester.

The autumn package kicks off the annual cycle of economic governance coordination. It sets out general economic priorities for the EU and provides EU countries with policy guidance for the following year.

The Finnish presidency and the incoming Croatian presidency published a roadmap outlining the key steps of the 2020 European Semester.