Health and the European Semester
The European Semester is the EU’s annual cycle of economic and social policy coordination. The Semester affects health care, early childhood education, unemployment, as well as social transfer and pension systems.
Similarly, the Semester is also a tool and a mechanism which can assist health agencies in their work to improve public health and act on the determinants of health. Therefore, it is essential they understand what it is and how to work with it.
EuroHealthNet has been analysing the European Semester process from a health equity and wellbeing perspective since its inception in 2011 - determining whether its outcomes have resulted in more equitable, resilient, ‘better’ societies, and how.
The approach taken by EuroHealthNet also means exploring how the European Semester process can contribute to reforms in other key areas important to health and wellbeing, like housing, early childhood development and care, social inclusion via skill building and literacy, the digital transition and climate adaptation as well as food system sustainability. Ultimately, we took this time to discuss and explore how the European Semester can contribute to the achievement of Wellbeing Economies, moving toward economic models that benefit people and the planet while ensuring human dignity and fairness.
An introduction to the European Semester and its relevance for health is available in this article in EuroHealthNet Magazine.
EuroHealthNet's 2024 Semester report
In 2024, EuroHealthNet assessed whether the European Semester helps Member States make their economy more wellbeing-oriented. It finds that, while the Semester has made progress, more is needed to put social, health, and environmental goals on equal footing with fiscal and economic objectives. Only by doing so can it unlock its potential to deliver a Wellbeing Economy.
Read our 2024 European Semester report!
A European Semester for the wellbeing of people and the planet
EuroHealthNet's previous analyses of the European Semester and health
EuroHealthNet produces annual in-depth analyses of the European Semester and health for health agencies and people involved in the semester process:
2023
EuroHealthNet organised multiple events to discuss how the European Semester can contribute to greater health and wellbeing and a transition to Wellbeing Economies and to encourage stakeholders from across the spectrum to engage more in the Semester process.
- A roundtable discussion in the European Parliament: The European Semester: a tool to embed health, equity, and wellbeing across the EU
- A roundtable discussion hosted by the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
- A roundtable discussion hosted by the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumers of Andalusia
- A conference hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC): Unlocking the Potential of the European Semester: Achieving a Wellbeing Economy through Participatory Societies
EuroHealthNet published a policy paper titled 'How to achieve an Economy of Wellbeing with the support of the European Semester?'
EuroHealthNet also works on the semester with other organisations and alliances, such as the EU Alliance for Investing in Children.
A quick guide to the European Semester
Introduced in 2010, the European Semester aims to help Member States to coordinate their economic policies and address common challenges. The Semester consists of five components:
- Beginning in November, the cycle commences when the European Commission publishes the Autumn Package. This includes The Annual Growth Survey. The survey sets out the EU’s general economic priorities for the following year, and includes policy guidance for national governments.
- In February, Country Reports are published. These reports address economic and social policy issues in each country.
- In March/April, Member States submit National Reform Programmes which explain the specific policies they will implement to boost jobs and growth and comply with fiscal rules. Additionally, they submit three-year budget plans.
- In May/June the European Commission issues Country Specific Recommendations which are tailored economic and policy recommendations.
- Then, from August-October recommendations are incorporated and policy is put into practice.
Key terms to understand the European Semester and Health
Annual Growth Survey: This document sets out the general economic priorities for the EU whilst offering EU governments policy guidance for the following year. Published by the commission each November along with a number of other documents as part of the Autumn Package.
Country Reports: These country reports cover all areas of macroeconomic or social importance and take stock of each country’s budgetary situation. They assess the progress made by each EU country in addressing the issues identified in the previous year’s EU recommendations.
Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs): Provide tailored policy guidance for each country accordingly on how to boost jobs and growth whilst maintaining sound public finances.
National Reform Programmes: Provide details about the specific policies each country will implement to boost jobs and growth and prevent/correct imbalances, with concrete plans to comply with the EU’s country-specific recommendations and general fiscal rules. Published by Member States. Additionally, three year budget plans are presented here.
The European Pillar of Social Rights: 20 principles for a fairer, more inclusive European Union. Established in 2017. Delivered by the EU, Member States, regions, cities, and civil society.
The European Structural and Investment Funds: Support investment in job creation, and a sustainable and healthy European Economy and environment. Furthermore, five funds are included which can be used to address issues raised in CSRs.
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): The EU’s long term budget. The next budget period is 2021-2027.
The Semester: a cycle of economic and fiscal policy coordination within the EU.
Where to find out more
- Visit the European Commission’s Semester web page
- Contact EuroHealthNet for the Members’ guide to the semester and personalised support
Related resources
An Economy of Wellbeing for Health Equity
Fostering a transition towards healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable societies
European Pillar of Social Rights Flashcard Tool
A guide for public health professionals and decision-makers
