26 Nov 2025
EC adopts 2026 European Semester Autumn package
The European Commission has adopted the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, setting out economic and employment policy priorities to boost competitiveness. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, the Commission calls for coordinated action to strengthen productivity, innovation and investment, in line with the Competitiveness Compass. The Autumn Package launches the 2026 European Semester cycle, which will improve its analytical basis, strengthen dialogue between Member States and stakeholders, and reinforce the focus on implementation.
The 2026 European Semester Spring Package will provide policy recommendations to tackle the main country-specific challenges identified in the Country Reports, building on a comprehensive set of 2025 country-specific recommendations.
The 2026 European Semester Autumn package builds on the Autumn 2025 Economic Forecast, which shows that the EU economy remains resilient with moderate growth mostly driven by robust domestic demand and investment, a solid labour market and easing inflation. At the same time, the EU is confronted with several strategic vulnerabilities and continues to face structural challenges, including low productivity, demographic pressures, and increasing demands on public finances linked to defence and the transition to a decarbonised and digital economy. According to the Commission, strengthening competitiveness and maintaining sound public finances will therefore be essential to unlock Europe's growth potential and safeguard stability.
Amongst other issues, the EC states in its Communication that "Confronted with an adverse international economic environment, demographic trends and weak labour productivity growth, the EU must take decisive action to foster economic growth, bolster its economic security and support competitiveness. This includes ensuring a stable macroeconomic environment, further promoting research and innovation in line with the EU’s 3% R&D investment target and supporting the uptake of advanced technologies, investing in climate resilience, environmental sustainability and human capital including in health".
The Semester is reinforced with a new EU27 recommendation on human capital in view of the urgent need to increase productivity, boost talent and develop a future proof labour market.
The Eurogroup and the Council will now discuss the documents presented in the European Semester Autumn Package, with the view to endorsing the guidance offered.
The Commission will engage in constructive dialogue with the European Parliament on the contents of this package, as well as on each subsequent steps in the European Semester cycle.
For more information:
Questions and answers on the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package