Member States should use the window of opportunity offered by the economic recovery to pursue structural reforms, boost investment and strengthen their public finances. Priorities vary across the EU but further efforts across the board are essential to achieve more inclusive, robust and sustainable growth. This is the message the European Commission has set out its economic policy guidance (English only) to Member States for the next 12-18 months, contained in its 2017 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) (in the national language(s) of each Member State, and French and German).

Overall, the EU economy is growing and will continue to enjoy this positive trend in 2018 for the sixth year in a row. As the recovery is uneven and still vulnerable, priority should be given to reforms that can make growth more inclusive and reinvigorate productivity. Addressing inequality is firmly at the heart of the Commission’s assessment and recommendations this year. With the economy moving forward, Europe needs now to restore opportunities for those left behind and keep pace with changing skills needs by investing in high quality education and training.

The next step is for Member States in the Council to endorse the proposed approach and adopt the Commission’s country-specific recommendations, and to then implement them fully and in a timely manner.