A more stringent implementation of rules and procedures is essential, among other things by increasing the automaticity and speed of procedural steps. The initiation of sanctions also needs to be quasi-automatic. Fiscal surveillance must be more direct and effective. It must also be based on more independent monitoring and assessment.
We may need a differentiated approach to surveillance depending on the fiscal performance of countries. The Commission should have greater responsibility by making proposals, which can only be modified with unanimity in the Council, rather than mere recommendations under the Stability and Growth Pact. In the event of non-compliance, sanctions need to be applied much earlier and to be broader in scope.