The Annual Growth Survey launched the European Semester by setting out the broad EU economic priorities for the year to come. It is the first step in the annual cycle. The draft Joint Employment Report attached to the Annual Growth Survey assesses the social and employment situation in the EU. This year, for the first time, the Joint Employment Report includes a scoreboard allowing for identification of major employment and social problems.
It is important to strengthen the position of the Parliament in the overall European Semester process in order to emphasise the need to tackle the social consequences of the economic crisis and to provide sustainable and inclusive growth solutions, promoting quality employment and raising social standards. Promoting quality employment and strengthening social consolidation should be the EU’s priority, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy.