On 18 2016 May, as part of the Euro­pean Semester, the Commis­sion presented its country-specific recom­men­da­tions (still to be passed by the Council). These form part of a package with other macro­eco­nomic recom­men­da­tions and reports.

According to the Commission, there should be fewer country-specific recommendations but with a stronger focus on economic and social issues. In summary, the Commission has called for faster progress on structural reforms that the Commission considers to be necessary, while at the same time there should be more effort to reduce poverty and social exclusion.  

 

For Germany and Document COM(2016) 326 final, mention should be made of comments regarding pension insurance. Greater incentives for later retirement are “indispensable”. Explicitly, reference was also made to generally reducing social security contributions for low-wage earners. Health and long-term care were not included in the recommendations.