The European Semester: Understanding an innovative governance model

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the European Semester (hereafter Semester). On the one hand, it maps out the history, elements and functioning of the Semester. On the other hand, it indicates how the Semester can be studied and understood. Apart from the legal aspects underpinning the coordination methods of the Semester, politics are relevant as well, as the Semester allows for exchanges between actors across governance levels. It makes the Semester a dynamic process with annually recurring governance processes and the ability to adapt both its content and procedures.