1. John Watson Head of Unit for Better Regulation and Impact Assessment
Impact Assessment - State of Play Directors for Better Regulation Prague, 30 October 2008
John Watson
Head of Unit for Better Regulation and Impact Assessment

2. Impact Assessment Board 01.01.08-15.10.08
162 opinions on 127 IAs
Resubmission rate of c.25%
88 in written procedure. 74 in oral
On av. 5 cases per meeting, 50 mins per case
105 opinions on legislative proposals
57 on non-legislative

3. Recommendations in latest 20 opinions 20 Opinions containing 74 Recommendations

4. Revision of IA Guidelines
Quality control
Increased quantification, including administrative burden.
Public consultation
More guidance on specific impacts
Fundamental rights
SMEs
Consumers
Social issues
Regional
Better presentation for greater clarity
Adoption in December 2008

5. Other developments Court of Auditors Performance Audit
-Main audit question: “Is the Commission’s IA system effective in leading to Better Regulation?”
In particular is the IA system:
In line with international good practice?
Produced in accordance with internal procedures/guidance?
Effectively informing the legislative decision making and public debate?
Contributing to proper transposition and implementation?
Contributing to better monitoring and evaluation of policies?
Will focus on 6 DGs (REGIO, EMPL, TREN, INFSO, RDT, and JRC)
Final Report in December 2009
Common approach to Impact Assessment