Analysis of transparency, methodology and resources of Impact assessments and evaluations the European Commission is launching to improve the quality of European Legislation (own-initiative opinion)

Key points

The EESC:

• considers that the impact assessments for any legislative proposals must be included and take due account of the importance of the economic, social and environmental dimensions, including for SMEs;
• calls on the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission to agree on a common methodology for studies and impact assessments which could also serve as guide for the Committee;
• reiterates its concern about the findings on the shortcomings of social and environmental impact assessments and the follow-up to consultations and calls on the Commission to be more transparent and to give fully documented reasons why a particular measure or proposal is or is not to be submitted for impact assessment and/or an ex-post analysis

Other relevant EESC opinion

• REFIT progamme (INT/750)

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat