The European Semester process (“the Semester”) is an annual year-long EU mandatory process that coordinates, monitors and evaluates Member States’ economic, fiscal, social, employment, environmental, energy, and climate policies, reforms and investments. Since its inception in 2011, it has evolved throughout the years to encompass a broader range of policies, making it a pivotal mechanism for monitoring and executing employment, social, health and environmental policies at both the EU and national levels. It helps EU countries align national policies with shared EU goals on economic stability, job creation, social inclusion and public spending. In essence, the Semester is a policy steering and monitoring tool: it encourages EU countries to make reforms, invest wisely including European Funds.