Eurofound Research Report - Involvement of the national social partners in the European Semester 2017: Social dialogue practices

What is the report about?

The Eurofound Research Report describes the involvement of the national social partners in the European Semester process in 2017. It also highlights the main developments and changes in comparison to previous years. A special focus is put on the role of the social partners in the implementation of the reforms identified in the country-specific recommendations (CSRs) adopted in 2016. The report also points to shortcomings in social partners’ capacity to be involved.

What is the European Semester?

During the European Semester, the EU countries coordinate their budgetary, economic, employment and other policies. The Semester has a clear timetable, according to which the member states receive EU-level advice and then submit their policy plans to be assessed at EU level. After the evaluation of these plans, the member states are given country-specific recommendations (CSRs). The member states are expected to take the CSRs into account when they define their budget for the following year and when they take decisions related to their economic, employment, education and other policies. The European Semester therefore also has an impact on policies affecting social services provision, including funding and legal framework.

Read the full Eurofound Research Report here.