On 8 July 2026, the EU Council formally adopted 27 integrated Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) for all Member States, covering economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies. The recommendations aim to guide national reforms under the European Semester framework.
The CSRs are based on Articles 121(2) and 148(4) TFEU, combining economic and employment guidance. They comply with Regulation 2024/1263, in force since 30 April 2024, and, where applicable, the preventive part of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure under Regulation 1176/2011. The Commission submitted the draft recommendations on 3 June 2026. The European Council discussed the integrated CSRs on 18–19 June 2026, and the Council approved employment and social aspects on 29 June 2026. The final CSRs for each of the 27 Member States are listed in annex documents 11113/26 through 11139/26.
The adoption of the CSRs marks the culmination of the 2026 European Semester cycle. Member States are expected to take these recommendations into account when drafting their national budgets and reform programmes. The Council's decision is a formal step that does not introduce new policy substance but finalises the guidance already outlined in the Commission's drafts. The European Commission will monitor implementation through its country reports and may issue further recommendations if progress is insufficient.
The recommendations affect a wide range of stakeholders. National governments will need to align their fiscal and structural policies with the CSRs, potentially requiring adjustments in spending, taxation, and labour market reforms. Businesses may face changes in regulatory environments, particularly in areas like digitalisation, green transition, and competitiveness. Workers and social partners could see shifts in employment policies, skills training, and social protection systems. EU institutions, including the Commission and the Council, will continue to oversee compliance through the Semester's surveillance mechanisms.