Impact Assessment - State of Play
Directors for Better Regulation
Prague, 30 October 2008
John Watson
Head of Unit for Better Regulation and Impact
Assessment
Impact Assessment Board
01.01.08-15.10.08
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162 opinions on 127 IAs
Resubmission rate of c.25%
88 in written procedure. 74 in oral
On av. 5 cases per meeting, 50 mins per case
105 opinions on legislative proposals
57 on non-legislative
Recommendations in latest 20 opinions
20 Opinions containing 74 Recommendations
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
P o lic y O pt io ns A s s e s s m e nt o f
im pa c t s
P ro ble m
de f init io n
B a s e line
s c e na rio
S ubs idia rit y
A dm inis t ra t iv e
B urde ns
O t he r
Revision of IA Guidelines
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Quality control
Increased quantification, including administrative burden.
Public consultation
More guidance on specific impacts
 Fundamental rights
 SMEs
 Consumers
 Social issues
 Regional
Better presentation for greater clarity
Adoption in December 2008
Other developments
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Court of Auditors Performance Audit
-Main audit question: “Is the Commission’s IA system effective in
leading to Better Regulation?”
In particular is the IA system:
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In line with international good practice?
Produced in accordance with internal procedures/guidance?
Effectively informing the legislative decision making and public debate?
Contributing to proper transposition and implementation?
Contributing to better monitoring and evaluation of policies?
Will focus on 6 DGs (REGIO, EMPL, TREN, INFSO, RDT, and JRC)
Final Report in December 2009
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Common approach to Impact Assessment