Peer Reviews are a key instrument of the Social 'Open Method of Coordination' (OMC). They foster open discussion and mutual learning.
Each Peer Review meeting:
- is hosted by one country which presents a selected good practice (e.g. a programme, policy reform, institutional arrangement)
- is attended by experts from the European Commission, peer countries and relevant stakeholders who provide feedback
Peer Reviews are a useful tool to assess whether the practice discussed:
- is effective
- contributes to EU objectives
- could be effectively transferred to other countries
The host country can also hold a Peer Review meeting to gather expert advice from other countries to inform the process of preparation of a major policy reform (or new programme or institutional arrangement) in the field of social protection and social inclusion.