The EESC has called for the European Semester to evolve into a more results-oriented framework that strengthens sustainable competitiveness, social inclusion and economic resilience while ensuring that reforms deliver tangible benefits for citizens. 

Speaking at the Annual European Semester Group Conference on 30 June, participants stressed that the Semester will play a key role in linking national reforms and investments with the next EU long-term budget. 

'The European Semester should evolve beyond a coordination mechanism into a genuine delivery framework,' said European Semester Group president Gonçalo Lobo Xavier. EESC President Seamus Boland added that lasting European prosperity depends on advancing 'prosperity, economic resilience and social cohesion together', while ECO section president Elena Calistru stressed the need for a coherent framework that better connects reforms, investments and public resources. The conference also highlighted the importance of strengthening the role of the social partners and civil society, arguing that meaningful stakeholder participation is essential for effective economic governance and the successful implementation of future EU reforms and investments. More here.