Olle Ludvigsson (S&D). – (SV) Mr President, my view is that the European Semester continues to improve in its functioning. At the same time, there are problems that must be addressed. A crucial problem is the Commission’s tendency to encroach on the autonomy of social partners in its country-specific recommendations. In this year’s recommendations, the Commission is recommending that the majority of countries reconstruct their national system for wage determination and the lowering of national wage levels.

The Commission’s actions are unacceptable. Complete respect for the autonomy of the partners is vital for a well-functioning labour market. In addition, each attack on autonomy is a violation of fundamental professional freedoms and rights. This autonomy is determined in the ILO Convention, the Treaty on the functioning of the EU and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Here in Parliament, we have recently clearly defended this autonomy in the positions adopted in connection with the six-pack and the two-pack. Therefore, it is obvious that the Commission must change tack in connection with this matter.