1. Annual Growth Survey 2013

2. What is the AGS? A communication, which sets out the economic and social priorities for the EU in 2013 Launches the next European Semester Provides guidance to Member States, which they can use to prepare their national reform programmes Includes two annexes, which give more detail on the macroeconomic context and the employment situation in the EU Accompanied by the separate publication of the Alert Mechanism Report and Single Market Report

3. The AGS in context The economic situation has continued to deteriorate in 2012 and the social consequences are being severely felt Unemployment is reaching new heights and the risks of poverty and social exclusion are rising The short-term challenge is to restore the confidence in EU economies and financial markets, whilst also carrying out structural reforms for the medium-term Some important action has already been taken, but it will be crucial to maintain the pace of reforms, recognising the specific needs of each Member State Budgetary developments in the Euro area Source: Commission Services Employment rate and unemployment growth in EU Source: Commission Services

4. The AGS priorities The Commission therefore considers that the EU should focus on the same priorities as in last year's AGS: Pursuing differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation Restoring normal lending to the economy Promoting growth and competitiveness for today and tomorrow Tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis Modernising public administration Efforts should be concentrated on implementation

5. Differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation Public finances must be brought back on track to restore their sustainability The pace and nature of fiscal consolidation will be different for each Member State Spending on areas of future growth potential and essential social safety nets should be prioritised Taxation should be shifted away from labour and towards areas that are less detrimental to growth

6. Restoring normal lending to the economy Work must continue on restoring the stability of the financial sector and improving financing conditions for the economy At the EU level progress must be made with an integrated supervisory mechanism and legal framework for financial institutions Member States also have important roles to play in improving access to finance, including through promoting alternative sources of finance Bank lending to households and non- financial corporations, euro area Source: Commission Services

7. Promoting growth and competitiveness Structural reforms must be reinforced to promote growth and competitiveness Important measures have been taken but more can still be achieved, for example by: - increasing investment in research and innovation - improving the business environment - raising educational standards, linking education and labour market - tapping the potential of the green economy - completing the single market, particularly in services - improving and liberalising network industries

8. Unemployment and social consequences of the crisis An urgent response is needed, including through: - Limiting tax burden on labour - Stepping up active labour market policies - Facilitating transition from school to work - Simplifying employment legislation - Ensuring wage developments support job creation Particular attention should be paid to the situation of young people Essential safety nets should be reinforced to prevent poverty and promote social inclusion

9. Modernising public administration Implementation of all measures depends on effective public administrations Progress is being made but more could be done to improve public procurement, the digitalisation of public administration, the quality and independence of judicial systems and the deployment of EU structural funds Government effectiveness (2010) Source: World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators

10. Next steps Spring European Council (14-15 March): conclusions on economic priorities for 2013 Submission of National Reform Programmes and Stability/Convergence Programmes to the Commission: 15/4 In the NRP, Member States also have to report on how social partners and the civil society were involved in the preparation of the NRP and in the implementation of the past guidance and commitments. Commission proposal for country specific recommendations: end of May Adoption of the country specific recommendations by the Council and the European Council: end of June

11. Thank you For further information contact: Unit D1- Europe 2020, Competitiveness and Innovation Secretariat General