European Semester 2023 : mainstreaming disability equality

The format of this report was established for the 2021 Semester, as part of the work programme of the Commission's European Disability Expertise (EDE) network and building on previous work by the Academic Network of European Disability experts (ANED) project. This updated report provides a cumulative synthesis of evidence relevant to the European Semester from a disability perspective, focusing on the current policy cycle (2023) and in preparation for the next cycle (2024). This is the third and final update, representing the state of evidence to May 2023.2 The European Semester was established in 2010 as the EU's strategic economic policy co-ordination mechanism. It addresses the public finances of the Member States and includes a strong focus on employment policies as well as a social dimension. The process of open co-ordination was adapted and streamlined in response to EU strategic priorities. Following conclusion of the Lisbon Strategy, the primary driver was the 'Europe 2020' strategy, with a focus on long-term recovery from the financial crisis of 2008. Current policy proceeds in context of the Strategic Agenda 2019-2024,3 and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Following the COVID-19 crisis, the Semester was adapted to coordinate with the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (the Facility) and routine publication of National Reform Programmes, Commission country reports and country-specific recommendations was suspended in 2021. These resumed in 2022 and the 2023 Semester marked the resumption of a business as usual approach.