Programme

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DRAFT PROGRAMME

09:00–09:30   Log on to platform / Interactio testing for speakers and participants

Hybrid conference.

Chaired and moderated by Luca Jahier, President of the European Semester Group (ESG), EESC

9:30-9:45 Opening session - welcome

  • Luca Jahier, President of the European Semester Group, EESC

  • Ioannis Vardakastanis, President of the ECO Section, EESC
  • Oliver Röpke, President, EESC

9:45-10:35 1st Panel discussion - A revised and stronger European Semester that drives  sustainable growth and competitiveness

How can the European Semester be restructured to effectively incorporate the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, ensuring transparency and active participation from all stakeholders?

What are the implications of linking the European Semester with the future MFF, particularly concerning performance–based budgeting and the conditionality of reforms?

Given the transition to medium-term plans with the annual progress reports, how can the European Semester adapt to remain an effective instrument for economic governance?

How can the involvement and consultation of organised civil society and social partners be improved within the European Semester process? 

  • Reinhard Felke, Director of Policy coordination, economic forecasts and communication in charge also for the European Semester, DG ECFIN 

  • MEP Claire Fita, Member of the ECON Committee and shadow rapporteur of the report "European Semester for Economic Policy Coordination 2025", European Parliament

  • Michal Steć, Head of EU Economic Governance in the Department of Sustainable Economy in the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Poland

10:35–11:15 Interactive session

  • Conclusions of the panel: Gonçalo Lobo Xavier, Vice President of the ESG, EESC

11:15–11:25 Coffee break

11:25–12:15 2nd Panel discussion  - Strengthening the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the European Semester

How can the European Semester be reformed to better integrate the SDGs, ensuring that sustainability considerations are central to economic governance?

What measures can be taken to address the observed disparities among Member States in incorporating SDGs into their CSRs?

How can the European Semester process enhance public understanding and awareness of the SDGs to foster a holistic approach to sustainable development?

What role should indicators play in assessing progress towards SDGs within the European Semester framework, and how can they be effectively implemented?

  • Professor Enrico Giovannini, University of Rome
  • Peter Schmidt, President of the NAT Section, EESC
  • Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
  • Céline Charveriat, founder of Pro(to)topia, and expert in sustainable well-being and SDGs
  • Assia Oulkadi, Senior Policy officer, Sustainability and Global Cooperation, European Youth Forum

12:15–12:50 Interactive session

  • Conclusions of the panel: Javier Doz Orrit, Vice President of the ESG, EESC

12:50–13:00 Conclusions

  • Luca Jahier, President for the ESG, EESC