Final declaration of the CEMR–EPSU project calls for stronger involvement of local governments and social partners in the European Semester
The European Semester, once primarily a tool for economic coordination, has evolved into a wide-ranging policy process that shapes social legislation, EU funding priorities, and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, its democratic legitimacy remains limited, with insufficient involvement of local and regional governments (LRGs) and their social partners.
From 2018 to 2020, CEMR and EPSU ran the joint project Localising the European Semester with the support of the European Commission. The initiative explored ways to better involve sectoral social partners of local and regional governments in the Semester cycle. Its findings confirm that around 80% of Country Specific Recommendations have a territorial impact, making the engagement of municipalities, cities and regions essential for their effective implementation.
The project demonstrated a growing interest from social partner organisations in contributing to the Semester. However, practices across Member States remain inconsistent, and consultation processes are often too formal to be effective. CEMR and EPSU therefore call for clearer standards and stronger mechanisms to ensure meaningful participation.
Key recommendations include:
- Guaranteeing that the views of local and regional social partners are fully taken into account.
- Setting EU-wide quality standards for inclusive consultation processes.
- Providing dedicated fora and visibility for sectoral social partners in the Semester cycle.
- Establishing an ad-hoc grant to support information and consultation at the national level.
- Ensuring the Semester becomes an inclusive framework for achieving the SDGs.
CEMR and EPSU underline that municipalities, cities and regions are vital socio-economic actors, delivering investments, growth and high-quality services. To strengthen the legitimacy and impact of the European Semester, EU institutions and national governments must involve them, and their social partners, much more closely. Only by doing so can the Semester live up to its promise of supporting sustainable and inclusive development across Europe.
For more information, contact:
Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services
