Economic trends and policies in each Member country are examined every 12 to 18 months. The reviews normally contain, in addition to an assessment of economic developments and macroeconomic policies, a chapter reviewing progress in structural reform and one on a specific structural theme.

Recent Surveys have considered labour market policies, taxation systems, environmental policies and the challenges linked to ageing populations. Particular attention is devoted to the interactions between the various policy fields. The in-depth chapters are common across the Economic Surveys, thus providing a comparative framework.