Public expectations and EU policies – Economic policy

A series of Briefings from the European Parliamentary Research Service which looks at EU actions in a series of policy areas. This follows up a public opinion survey organised by Eurobarometer for the European Parliament in April 2016 which asked the question: Would you like the EU to intervene less than at present or more than at present for the following policy areas?

Terrorism / Unemployment / Tax fraud / Migration / Borders / Democracy / Environment / Security and defence / Health / Gender equality / Energy / Economy / Foreign policy / Agriculture / Industrial policyThe EU’s economic policy is mainly geared towards coordinating national economic policies, with much attention given to macroeconomic imbalances, as well as managing the fiscal safeguards provided by the Stability and Growth Pact. However, compliance by Member States with the existing framework is weak. At the same time monetary policy is an exclusive EU competence for the euro area.