Economic Policy Committee: Country examinations 2002

The country examinations carried out in the EPC are a peer review exercise focussing on progress made in the structural reform of product, capital and labour markets and the sustainability of long-term public finances. They involve all 15 Member States, the European Commission and the European Central Bank. The examinations take a comprehensive look at the reform process, provide “bench marking” comparisons between countries and give examples of 'good practice'. The examinations also allow an assessment of the implementation of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and serve as an input to the formulation of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines. The examinations build on Member States' reports on structural reforms ('Cardiff Reports'), Member States' National Action Plans for Employment, the Joint Employment Report, the Commission's Cardiff report and other contributions from the Commission services.