CEEP Welcomes the Continuity in AGS Priorities

CEEP welcomes the publication of the 2016 Annual Growth Survey (AGS) which has the tremendous task to actively contribute to strengthening the recovery while fostering convergence in Europe. The Commission rightly choses to continue on the path of the 2015 edition, with a focus on the balance between structural reforms, sound public budgets and investment.

CEEP General Secretary Valeria Ronzitti commented:

“It is very welcome that the Commission takes on board the need to emphasise productive public investment and advises Member States to consolidate finances in a growth-friendly way. We cannot only rely on private investment for the economic relaunch. Member States in a positive fiscal position should invest now. We count on the Commission to incentive this positive composition of fiscal strategies in Europe also through the new tools of the five president report.

Identify the right priorities of investments is also critical. The Commission rightly points out social investments, such as healthcare, childcare, housing support and rehabilitation services. The Investment Plan has a tremendous potential for project serving the general interest. Social infrastructures should be provided in a more flexible and personalised way, and better integrated to promote active inclusion of people currently left away from the labour market.”

Finally, CEEP welcomes the project of the European Commission to develop benchmarks and exchange of practices across policy areas. The AGS makes a direct reference to develop common standards on labour markets, competitiveness, business environment and public administration. CEEP has long expressed the critical importance of better assessing and highlighting the public administrations reforms, serving the economic growth and social progress. CEEP and its members are fully committed to positively contribute to this exchange of practices in the domains which directly concern its members.