Duurzaam economisch herstel topprioriteit tijdens vierde Europees Semester (en)

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius, chairing the EU General Affairs Council on November 19 in Brussels, has underlined the importance of involvement of national actors as the ministers for European affairs launched the fourth cycle of economic policy coordination, the so-called European Semester i.

“Ministers noted that the economic policy coordination for 2014 shall focus on actions aimed at sustaining economic recovery, since boosting growth and creating jobs remain the main concerns for EU citizens,” said Minister Linkevičius.

“The efficiency and success of European Semester largely depends on its acceptance by our citizens. Therefore we shall strengthen national ownership of European Semester, and closely involve into the whole process citizens, social partners and national parliaments,” noted Minister Linkevičius.

Ministers examined the Roadmap on the implementation of the 2014 European Semester and took note of the Commission’s presentation of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) for 2014. Both AGS and the Roadmap open the way for the fourth cycle of EU economic policy coordination, the beginning of which this year is organised by the Lithuanian Presidency i of the EU Council together with the incoming Greek Presidency. Ministers also welcomed the Commission’s work programme for 2014, which includes initiatives on growth enhancing proposals and creation of jobs, especially for youth, facilitating access to financing and other measure which are important instruments to achieve the AGS priorities

Ministers also started preparations for the December 19-20 European Council meeting and approved its draft annotated agenda. The meeting will feature debates on the EU’s economic policy priorities for 2014, the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union, the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, energy, enlargement, and migration.

Ministers discussed the Lithuanian Presidency Report on the implementation of European Council conclusions.

“Implementation of agreed actions and consistency are key in delivering the results for EU citizens. This Report provides a wide overview and the necessary focus in preparing for the December European Council,” said Minister Linkevičius.

As a follow up to the October General Affairs Council conclusions on the added value of the macro-regional strategies, Minister Linkevičius presented to the ministers the results of the Fourth Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region that took place on November 11-12 in Vilnius.

“The Forum focused on the environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea and the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities for economic growth, competitiveness and job creation. High level political discussions were held on the added value of macro-regional strategies, integration of environmental aspects into sectoral policy fields, engagement of private sector and local authorities in promoting sustainable growth. Majority of participants emphasized the responsibility and ownership of Member States,” said the Minister.