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The Commission assesses and evaluates all of its policies and funds, including in the area of employment, skills, social affairs and inclusion. This work follows the Better regulation principles and guidelines.

Assessment of new initiatives

For new initiatives, the Commission assesses the expected environmental, social and economic impacts.

This assessment includes in particular impacts on employment and working conditions, social protection and inclusion, skills and occupational health and safety (see Chapter 3 of the Better Regulation Toolbox).

Representatives of management and labour – social partners – have a particular role in the impact assessment process. They are consulted on any new social European initiative related to social policy legislation via a compulsory two-stage consultation procedure.

Evaluation of  policies and funds already in place

For policies and funds already in place, the Commission evaluates to which extent the EU intervention was successful and proposes improvements where necessary (see Chapter 6 of the Better Regulation Toolbox).

The Commission also provides guidance and support to Member States for the national-level monitoring and evaluation of the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the European Fund for the Most Deprived (FEAD).

This ensures that data are consistent and comparable, and helps Member States to deliver quality analysis, monitoring data and evaluations.

Have your say!

DG EMPL would like to hear your views on its policies, funds, and initiatives currently in development. Please share your views on the ‘Have your say’ portal.

For more information

All Commission’s evaluations and impact assessments in the field of employment, social affairs and inclusion are available in the section related documents below.

All studies contracted out by the Commission to support these evaluations and impact assessments are available in the publications catalogue.