Search

On 11 February 2025, the European Commission adopted the first work programme (2025 CWP) of the von der Leyen II Commission. Building on the reports by Enrico Letta, Mario Draghi and Sauli Niinistö, and in line with the Commission President's political guidelines, the CWP places a strong emphasis on competitiveness, simplification and implementation, and preparedness. These will remain key horizontal priorities for the entire Commission mandate. In terms of structure, the CWP follows the seven headline ...

The IA supports the above proposals with a qualitative assessment of legal, social and economic impacts, complemented by quantified estimates of costs and savings of procedural and administrative costs. Impacts on fundamental rights and digitalisation are also assessed, including concerns raised by stakeholders with respect to data protection. The IA follows a clear intervention logic and is based on solid internal and external sources and various stakeholder consultations. It clearly makes an effort ...

This study constitutes a targeted substitute impact assessment of the Commission’s proposal for a revised Facilitation Directive (COM(2023) 755), presented on 28 November 2023 as part of a package to address migrant smuggling. It provides a critical review of the existing legal and policy framework at EU level and its shortcomings regarding transposition and implementation. It also undertakes a critical and thorough appraisal of the proposed objectives and measures in terms of coherence, effectiveness ...

This study provides an analysis of the quality of European Commission ex-ante impact assessments (IAs) published between December 2019 and November 2024, following their appraisal by the Ex-Ante Impact Assessment Unit (IMPA) of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS). Drawing on a review of 143 initial appraisals of Commission IAs, the study analyses them according to quality criteria stemming from the Commission's Better Regulation Guidelines, European Parliament resolutions and the Parliament's ...

This paper reviews the simplification measures aimed at reducing administrative costs and burdens for Managing Authorities (MAs) and beneficiaries in implementing European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The study further provides an overview of the administrative burdens and challenges that MAs and beneficiaries face when implementing the ESIF. Although various initiatives have been undertaken, administrative challenges persist due to complex regulations and overlapping programmes. Recommendations ...

This paper reviews the simplification measures aimed at reducing administrative costs and burdens for Managing Authorities (MAs) and beneficiaries in implementing European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The study further provides an overview of the administrative burdens and challenges that MAs and beneficiaries face when implementing the ESIF. Although various initiatives have been undertaken, administrative challenges persist due to complex regulations and overlapping programmes. Recommendations ...

The impact assessment (IA) effectively substantiates the need for a recast of the Child Sexual Abuse Directive, to expand the definitions of offences, and introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance for victims. The IA draws largely on the findings of an ex-post evaluation of the Child Sexual Abuse Directive, which provided input and concrete evidence of the need for regulatory intervention. The IA presents a well evidenced problem definition and identifies ...

This study examines how Cohesion Policy can support climate adaptation, regional resilience and sustainable businesses in the EU. It identifies regional and sectoral adaptation needs, maps relevant EU policy instruments and assesses current Cohesion Policy investment support. The study finds increased but still insufficient funding for adaptation, with gaps between support and needs. Recommendations include improving the integration and tracking of adaptation, developing tailored sectoral strategies ...

This study examines how Cohesion Policy can support climate adaptation, regional resilience and sustainable businesses in the EU. It identifies regional and sectoral adaptation needs, maps relevant EU policy instruments and assesses current Cohesion Policy investment support. The study finds increased but still insufficient funding for adaptation, with gaps between support and needs. Recommendations include improving the integration and tracking of adaptation, developing tailored sectoral strategies ...

The IA offers a convincing explanation of the need to set a 2040 climate target. It is crucial, for instance, to provide predictability for the Member States, stakeholders, investors and decision makers, and to step up the current pace of emissions reductions across all sectors in order to meet the 2030 target. The assessment includes three policy options for analysis. The theoretical option 1 (O1) corresponds to the linear trajectory under the ECL and is assessed as being below the baseline. Option ...