Brussels, 12/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - European regional cohesion policy contributes to public assistance in various regions of the EU. Its effectiveness has to be demonstrated, however. For this purpose, then, the European Commission holds regular international conferences to assess how effective methods of evaluation of the cohesion policy are. The latest of such meetings bringing together those responsible for implementing and managing the evaluation took place in Warsaw on 11-12 December under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers.
The objective of these assessment reports is to facilitate experience sharing among European players in order to improve the effect of the cohesion policy. “The exact assessment of effect is essential for cohesion policy. It helps answer the key questions: 'Are we making a difference?' and 'What can we do to improve our programmes?'”, states the European Commission.
A range of scientific and statistical instruments is used to assess the impact of regional integration. Analysts use counterfactual methods, controls and comparison groups. The sectors under study are many and various: support for companies, innovation, entrepreneurship and training. “The key questions are 'What do you want to change?' and 'How do want to know if you have changed anything?' These evaluation questions are not just bureaucratic requirements, they are the very essence of good planning”, states the draft assessment.
Two major research areas define the impact assessment of regional cohesion policy. The experts use a first theory based on impact assessment. This follows each stage of the intervention logic using observation techniques, including rigorous case studies and investigations among beneficiaries. “This method is particularly appropriate for identifying the mechanisms of change, by answering the questions 'why?” and 'how?' an initiative is effective”, analysts say. In the second method, evaluation focuses on the counterfactual impact of the policy implemented, that is, the use of control groups and comparisons between various member states. (VW/transl.rt)