Evaluations assess the performance of an EU action. Impact assessments examine whether there is a need for an EU action and analyse the possible impacts of available solutions.
At DG HOME policy makers carry out evaluations and impact assessments as part of the policy preparation process. The aim of each is to examine how a particular policy issue is or should be addressed to achieve set objectives. Evaluations and impact assessments follow an integrated approach – policy makers examine the impacts across environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainable development. Thus, both process successfully contribute to the mainstreaming of sustainability in policymaking at the Union level.
Evaluations
Evaluations assess the performance of an EU action. During an evaluation, a specific EU law, policy or funding programme is assessed based on its:
- effectiveness (whether it reached set objectives),
- efficiency (what are the costs and benefits),
- relevance (whether it responds to stakeholders' needs),
- coherence (how well it works with other actions) and
- EU added value (what are the benefits of acting at an EU level).
Evaluation findings help the Commission decide whether EU actions should be continued or changed.
- European Border and Coast Guard/Frontex – standing corps review and evaluation of Regulation
- Evaluation of the Visa Code
- Evaluation of the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN)
More information on Evaluations in the Commission.
Impact assessments
Impact assessments examine whether there is a need for an EU action and they analyse the possible impacts of available solutions. Impact assessments are carried out during the preparation phase, before the Commission finalises a proposal for a new law. They provide evidence to inform and support the decision-making process.
- Firearms – review of export rules and import & transit measures
- Fighting human trafficking – review of EU rules
- Combating child sexual abuse – review of EU rules
- Security-related information sharing − reciprocal access for frontline officers in the EU and key partner countries
- Travel – digitalising travel documents to make travelling easier
- Preventing terrorism – new rules on the marketing and use of high-risk chemicals
- Strengthening the automated data exchange under the Prüm framework
- Border & law enforcement - advance passenger information (API) - revised rules
More information on Impact assessments in the Commission
Completed evaluations and impact assessments
A list is available showing completed evaluations and impact assessments of DG HOME.