The European Semester Group (ESG) coordinates, strengthens and supports the work carried out in the EESC Sections/CCMI in relation to the European Semester. The European Semester is at its origin an annual cycle of economic policy coordination and since 2018 has been complemented by actions building on the European Pillar of Social Rights. Following the economic, social and political crisis in Europe, the Semester has become the focal point for reform discussions in Europe. The EESC has acknowledged its growing importance and, in a Bureau decision dated 5 December 2017, decided to replace its Europe 2020 Steering Committee with a body that would focus on the European Semester and on examining proposals from European civil society on growth and employment.