Spending Plan

The European Semester 2024 is shaping up to be a significant milestone in the EU's fiscal policy, with the introduction of new EU Fiscal Rules and expenditure guidelines.

The process, which began in 2022, is currently under review, including the implementation status of recovery and resilience plans. This review also encompasses the analysis of the overall state budget development until 2026 according to the Austrian Stability Programme 2022 to 2026.

As part of this review, a new priority for expenditure growth has been introduced in EU fiscal rule monitoring as of April 30, 2024. However, the analysis does not mention any direct reference to the new EU Fiscal Rules being part of the European Semester 2024 package at this stage.

The European Commission's Spring Package, transmitted in June 2024, and the new EU Fiscal Rules provide guidance for permissible expenditure growth. These transmissions pertain to the European Semester 2024 and are crucial for budget planning in 2024 and beyond.

The European Commission's Spring Package also transmitted country-specific reference paths for the allowed expenditure growth rate, further aiding in budget planning.

The Budget Service, responsible for analyzing the annual budget, the federal financial framework, long-term budget forecasts, and all submissions within the European Semester, will play a key role in implementing these new rules and guidelines.

The European Semester 2022 included the fiscal policy guidelines proposed by the EC for 2023. The European Semester 2024, on the other hand, sets reference paths for permissible expenditure growth.

In addition, the National Reform Programme 2023 is being analyzed, covering measures taken to implement country-specific recommendations. The Budget Service also provides information on the current budget situation and the challenges it presents for budget planning from 2025 onwards.

It's important to note that the European Semester 2024 includes the new EU Fiscal Rules, but the analysis does not mention any direct reference to the guidance provided by the European Commission's Spring Package for permissible expenditure growth.

The European Semester 2022 process provides an overview of the implementation status of recovery and resilience plans, offering a comprehensive look at the EU's fiscal policy landscape. The new EU Fiscal Rules and expenditure guidelines, as part of the European Semester 2024, are set to reshape this landscape and guide budget planning for the coming years.