MT

Brussel 28.6.2006

KUMM(2006) 332 finali

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-KUNSILL U LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW

Evalwazzjoni tal-Politiki ta' l-UE dwar il-Libertà, is-Sigurtà u l-Ġustizzja

{SEC(2006) 815}

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-KUNSILL U LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW

Evalwazzjoni tal-Politiki ta' l-UE dwar il-Libertà, is-Sigurtà u l-Ġustizzja

1. Introduzzjoni

1. Il-Programm ta’ l-Aja (2004) [1] jistqarr li “l-evalwazzjoni ta’ l-implimentazzjoni kif ukoll ta’ l-effetti tal-miżuri kollha hi, fil-fehma tal-Kunsill Ewropew, essenzjali għall-effettività ta’ l-azzjoni ta’ l-Unjoni”. Il-Pjan ta’ Azzjoni li jimplimenta l-Programm ta’ l-Aja (2005) [2], li jistabbilixxi qafas ta’ politika għall-attivitajiet ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja fil-ħames snin li ġejjin, jipprevedi l-adozzjoni, fl-2006, ta’ Komunikat ġenerali mill-Kummissjoni dwar kif ikun żviluppat mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni fil-livell ta’ l-UE f’dan il-qasam [3].

2. Il-Kapijiet ta’ l-Istati u l-Gvern kienu identifikaw l-evalwazzjoni ta’ l-implimentazzjoni bħala għodda ewlenija sabiex ikun żgurat li r-riżultati sinifikanti li kisbet l-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Istati Membri tagħha fl-iżvilupp ta’ Żona ta’ Libertà, Sigurtà u Ġustizzja jkunu implimentati kif xieraq u riveduti b’mod kostanti, fejn ikun xieraq, sabiex nirrispondu għall-aspettattivi reali taċ-ċittadini Ewropej.

3. Billi jenfasizza l-importanza ta’ l-evalwazzjoni, il-Programm ta’ l-Aja għandu l-għan li (1) jtejjeb aktar il-mod kif il-politiki, il-programmi u l-istrumenti jkunu stabbiliti, billi jidentifika problemi u ostakoli li wieħed jiltaqa’ magħhom fl-implimentazzjoni, (2) jistabbilixxi regoli aktar siswtematiċi dwar il-kontabilità finazjarja u l-iskrutinju tal-politiki, (3) jiffavorixxi t-tagħlim u l-bdil ta’ prattika tajba u (4) il-parteċipazzjoni fl-iżvilupp ta’ kultura ta’ evalwazzjoni fl-Unjoni kollha.

Fid-dawl ta’ (1) il-mandat mogħti lill-Kummissjoni mill-Programm ta’ l-Aja u l-Pjan t’Azzjoni tiegħu, (2) il-frammentazzjoni tal-mekkaniżmi eżistenti ta’ monitoraġġ u evalwazzjoni u (3) il-bżonn li tkun trażmessa informazzjoni estensiva lill-imsieħba kollha dwar l-implimentazzjoni u r-riżultati tal-politiki, il-Kummissjoni tqis li wasal iż-żmien li naħdmu lejn it-twaqqif ta’ mekkaniżmu koerenti u komprensiv għall-evalwazzjoni tal-politiki ta’ l-UE dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja, fi spirtu ta’ sħubija ma’ l-Istati Membri u l-istituzzjonijiet Ewropej.

Mekkaniżmu bħal dan ikun jinkludi s-sorveljanza ta’ l-implimentazzjoni (kif deskritt fil-Komunikat dwar “It-Tisħiħ tal-Libertà, is-Sigurtà u l-Ġustizzja fl-Unjoni Ewropea: rapport dwar l-implimentazzjoni tal-Programm ta’ l-Aja [4] għas-sena 2005”, minn hawn ‘il quddiem imsejjaħ l-“Iskeda plus” [The Hague Scoreboard]) u l-evalwazzjoni tar-riżultati tal-politiki.

2. Il-Kunċett ta’ evalwazzjoni

4. Għandha ssir distinzjoni bejn il-prinċipji tas-sorveljanza ta’ l-implimentazzjoni u ta’ l-evalwazzjoni:

· Is-sorveljanza ta’ l-implimentazzjoni tikkonsisti fl-evalwazzjoni tal-progress fit-twettiq tal-politiki.

· Il-Komunikat dwar l-Evalwazzjoni ppreżentat mill-Kummissjoni fl-2000 [5] jiddefinixxi l-evalwazzjoni bħala "ġudizzju ta’ interventi (azzjonijiet pubbliċi) skond ir-riżultati tagħhom, l-impatti u l-ħtiġijiet li għandhom l-għan li jissodisfaw”. Ir-rwol ewlieni ta’ l-evalwazzjoni hu li tipprovdi lil min iwettaq il-politika b’tagħrif dwar l-impatt u l-effettività ta’ al-ttivitajiet ippjanati u mwettqa.

5. Il-Kummissjoni tinterpreta l-mekkaniżmu msemmi fil-Pjan ta' Azzjoni bħala mezz ta' sorveljanza ta' l-implimentazzjoni u l-evalwazzjoni tar-riżultati konkreti tal-politiki dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja. F’dan il-kuntest, l-evalwazzjoni tmur lil hinn u tibni fuq is-sorveljanza ta’ l-implimentazzjoni ta’ politiki billi tistudja l-effetti ta’ l-implimentazzjoni, kif deskritt hawn taħt. Dan hu skond il-Programm ta’ l-Aja ladarba l-kunċett ta’ “l-evalwazzjoni ta’ l-implimentazzjoni kif ukoll ta’ l-effetti tal-miżuri kollha” jkopri kemm is-sorveljanza ta’ l-implimentazzjoni kif ukoll l-evalwazzjoni tar-riżultati tal-miżuri meħuda.

6. Dan hu l-ħsieb għall-Kummissjoni sabiex tipproponi pakkett koerenti u komprensiv mibni madwar żewġ pilastri: l-“Iskeda plus” għas-sorveljanza ta’ l-implimentazzjoni u l-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni propost f’dan il-Komunikat.

7. Il-mekkaniżmu propost f’dan il-Komunikat hu bbażat fuq din id-definizzjoni komprensiva li, fil-fehma tal-Kummissjoni, għandha tippermetti ftehim sħiħ tal-kwantità u l-kwalità tar-riżultati miksuba fil-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja. Tali mekkaniżmu jopera fil-qafas tal-prinċipji stabbiliti fil-Programm ta’ l-Aja. Fl-aħħar mill-aħħar dan għandu jtejjeb it-twettiq tal-politika, billi jippromwovi rispons sistematiku tar-riżultati ta’ l-evalwazzjoni fil-proċess ta’ teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet.

Kaxxa 1: Evalwazzjoni tul il-proċess ta’ teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet

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3. L-evalwazzjoni tal-Politiki ta’ l-UE dwar il-libertÀ, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja – sfidi li għandhom ikunu indirizzati

3.1. Għanijiet ta’ politika u arranġamenti kumplessi u ambizzjużi

8. Il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja huwa wieħed mill-aktar oqsma ta’ politika diversi ta’ l-UE. L-għanijiet li għandhom jinkisbu jkopru wħud mill-aktar kwistjonijiet topiċi: il-moviment ħieles ta’ persuni, it-terroriżmu u l-kriminalità organizzata, il-pulizija u l-koperazzjoni ġudizzjarja, il-kenn politiku u l-politika dwar il-migrazzjoni, u dan kollu filwaqt li jkunu rispettati d-drittijiet fundamentali u jkunu promossi d-drittijiet taċ-ċittadini ta’ l-Unjoni. Spiss kunsiderazzjonijiet ta’ sovranità nazzjonali jkunu jinħtieġu kompromessi fil-livell ta’ l-UE jew jagħmlu l-implimentazzjoni diffiċli. Għalhekk, kwalunkwe mekkaniżmu ġdid ta’ evalwazzjoni għandu jqis dan il-kuntest politiku.

9. L-għanijiet kumplessi u ambizzjużi ta’ politika mfittxa huma aktar kumplikati minħabba qafas legali li kultant jikkonfondi, taħlita ta’ teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet u proċeduri ta’ konformità.

Sabiex jakkomoda din il-kumplessità, il-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni propost jinħtieġ li jkun progressiv u li jinkludi possibbiltajiet għal aktar żvilupp u konsolidazzjoni.

3.2. Żmien

10. B’riżultat tar-rwol speċifiku tal-Kummissjoni u l-proċess ta’ teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet fil-qasam tal-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja, il-politiki varji spiss jinħtieġu oqfsa ta’ żmien differenti qabel ma jistgħu jkunu żviluppati u jibdew jaħdmu bis-sħiħ. Hu għalhekk meħtieġ approċċ każ b’każ sabiex ikun identifikat il-livell xieraq ta’ analiżi għal kull politika individwali. Filwaqt li jitqiesu r-riżultati immedjati u intermedji għall-politiki kollha, l-analiżi ta’ l-impatt prattiku tista’ tkun aktar diffiċli għal uħud minnħom (per eżempju politiki dwar id-drogi jew il-migrazzjoni).

Il-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni propost għandu jippermetti biżżejjed flessibbiltà għal evalwazzjoni differenzjata fil-fond ta’ politiki speċifiċi, filwaqt li jitqies kif xieraq il-livell ta’ żvilupp u konsolidazzjoni tagħhom.

L-attenzjoni fuq riżultati immedjati u intermedji għalhekk tidher xierqa, għallinqas fl-ewwel stadju. L-identifikazzjoni ta’ l-impatt ġenerali tal-politiki għandha tkun l-oġġettiv aħħar tal-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni fit-terminu itwal.

3.3. L-involviment ta’ istituzzjonijiet u partijiet interessati

11. Aspett uniku ieħor ta’ libertà, sigurtà u ġustizzja hu l-impatt tal-politika fuq partijiet interessati. Kwalunkwe mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni f’dan il-qasam għandu jqis il-prioritajiet u l-aspettattivi tal-partijiet interessati u, b'mod partikolari, il-bżonn ta' kunfidenzjalità f'ċerti oqsma ta' politika, bħat-terroriżmu u l-kriminalità organizzata.

12. Fi spirtu ta’ sħubija, il-Kummissjoni se tikkonsulta u tiddibatti ma’ l-Istati Membri u l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ l-UE waqt u wara t-tħejjija tar-rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni. Għal dak l-għan, l-Istati Membri u l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ l-UE jkunu mistiedna jappuntaw punti ta’ kuntatt sabiex jiffaċilitaw id-djalogu mal-Kummissjoni. Ir-rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni [6] jkun pubbliku u indirizzat lill-Istati Membri u lill-istituzzjonijiet ta’ l-UE.

13. Il-Kunsill u l-Istati Membri flimkien mal-Kummissjoni jibqgħu l-atturi ewlenin fil-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni propost. Il-Parlament Ewropew ikun assoċjat mill-qrib, b’konformità mal-prerogattivi u l-obbligi istituzzjonali. Il-Parlamenti Nazzjonali jkunu wkoll involuti fl-evalwazzjoni tar-rapporti regolari.

14. Fl-oqsma koperti mit-Trattat tal-KE, il-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni u l-Kumitat Soċjali u Ekonomiku Ewropew ikunu involuti fit-tħejjija u l-implimentazzjoni tal-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni. Ir-rapporti ta’ evalwazzjoni jkunu regolarment trażmessi lill-Kumitati wara l-adozzjoni.

15. Aġenziji bħall-Aġenzija ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea għad-Drittijiet Fundamentali, iċ-Ċentru Ewropew ta’ Sorveljanza dwar id-Droga u l-Vizzju tad-Droga (EMCDDA), l-Europol, l-Eurojust jew l-Aġenzija Ewropea għall-Ġestjoni tal-Kooperazzjoni Operazzjonali fil-Fruntieri Esterni jwettqu rwol importanti fil-mekkaniżmu. L-ewwelnett, dawn jagħtu tagħrif lill-eżerċizzju ta’ evalwazzjoni b’tagħrif u analiżi meta dawn ikunu disponibbli. It-tieninett, il-Kummissjoni tikkonsulta lil dawn dwar ir-rapporti ta’ evalwazzjoni.

16. Il-kontribut tas-soċjetà ċivili jkun ta’ valur kbir f’dan il-kuntest. Il-Kummissjoni tiżgura li l-fehmiet tas-soċjetà ċivili jitqiesu u jkunu stabbiliti l-mekkaniżmi xierqa sabiex tkun żgurata l-parteċipazzjoni tagħha fl-evalwazzjoni tal-politiki kollha fil-qasam tal-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja.

Il-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni propost għandu jinkludi mekkaniżmi trasparenti ta’ konsultazzjoni, li setgħu jintużaw sabiex jinġabar it-tagħrif relevanti u jkun iċċekkjat reċiprokament.

3.4. Disponibbiltà ta’ statistiċi

17. Disponibbiltà ta’ statistiċi [7] u tal-kapaċità analitika meħtieġa hi komponent ewlieni fl-iżvilupp ta’ sistema ta’ evalwazzjoni. Filwaqt li l-istatistiċi huma żviluppati sew għal xi attivitajiet (per eżempju l-politika dwar id-droga), jinħtieġ li jsir aktar xogħol f’oqsma oħra, bħall-kriminalità u l-ġustizzja kriminali [8]. Statistiċi dwar l-evoluzzjoni tal-ħtiġijiet indirizzati minn politiki dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja jkunu meħtieġa bħala data bażilari sabiex ikun evalwat jekk il-ħtiġijiet eżistenti humiex imċekkna jew aggravati minn politika tul iż-żmien u, fl-aħħar mill-aħħar, sabiex ikunu jistgħu jinsiltu konklużjonijiet dwar l-impatt tal-politiki. Għandu jsir titjib fi tliet oqsma: il-kwalità, id-disponibbiltà u l-analiżi. Xogħol minn aġenziji, inkluż iċ-Ċentru Ewropew ta’ Sorveljanza dwar id-Droga u l-Vizzju tad-Droga (EMCDDA), l-Eurojust, l-Europol u l-Aġenzija ġejjiena dwar id-Drittijiet Fundamentali, iwettqu rwol speċjali f’dan il-kuntest. Proġetti ta’ riċerka u netwerks jikkontribwixxu wkoll għal dan l-għan.

B’konsegwenza, flimkien mat-twaqqif tas-sistema ta’ evalwazzjoni proposta, għandu jsir ukoll titjib fil-kwalità, id-disponibbiltà u l-analiżi ta’ l-istatistiċi dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja.

4. L-evalwazzjoni tal-politiki ta’ l-ue dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja – proposta għal mekkaniżmu strateġiku ta’ evalwazzjoni

4.1. Deskrizzjoni tal-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni

18. Il-mekkaniżmu strateġiku ta’ evalwazzjoni propost għal-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja jibni fuq ir-riżultati konsolidati miksuba f’oqsma oħra tal-politika ta’ l-UE. Tali mekkaniżmu jibbaża fuq prattiċi preżenti, kif deskritti fl-Anness 2, u, fil-każ speċifiku ta’ programmi ta’ ffinanzjar, juża tagħrif mislut minn ħtiġijiet ta’ evalwazzjoni eżistenti. Flimkien ma’ dan, f’oqsma oħra fejn it-tagħrif ikun diġà disponibbli għandha tingħata attenzjoni partikolari għall-użu ta’ data eżistenti u li jkun evitat xogħol doppju.

19. Hu propost mekkaniżmu progressiv fi tliet skaluni:

(1) L-ewwel, li jkun jipprevedi t-twaqqif ta’ sistema għall-ġbir u l-qsim ta’ informazzjoni.

(2) It-tieni, li jkun jinkludi mekkaniżmu ta’ rappurtar li jsaħħaħ, juża u janalizza din l-informazzjoni.

(3) It-tielet, li jkun komplut b’evalwazzjonijiet strateġiċi speċifiċi fil-fond.

Kaxxa 2: It-tliet skaluni tal-mekkaniżmu

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20. Il-mekkaniżmu jkun komprensiv u jkun ikopri l-politiki kollha fil-qasam tal-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja [9].

21. Rapporti ta’ evalwazzjoni [10] jkunu trażmessi lill-Kunsill u lill-Parlament Ewropew u wkoll lill-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew u lill-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni, inkluż permess ta’ avvenimenti pubbliċi ad-hoc.

22. Permezz tat-tisħiħ tar-rappurtar u d-disseminazzjoni ta’ riżultati ta’ l-evalwazzjoni, il-mekkaniżmu fl-aħħar mill-aħħar ifittex li jikkultiva l-użu attwali tar-riżultati fil-livell tat-teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet.

23. Il-mekkaniżmu hu konsistenti mal-gwida preżenti tal-Kummissjoni dwar l-evalwazzjoni u se jopera f'konformità mal-prinċipji ġenerali tagħha.

4.1.1. Sistema ta’ ġbir u qsim ta’ tagħrif

24. Is-sistema ta’ ġbir u qsim se tkun ibbażata fuq “skedi” (waħda għal kull qasam ta’ politika) li jintlew mill-awtoritajiet kompetenti ta’ l-Istati Membri. F’oqsma li għalihom diġà jeżisti tagħrif f’format simili, il-Kummissjoni timla l-iskedi bil-quddiem kemm ikun possibbli. B’mod parallel, l-iskedi jitressqu għall-konsultazzjoni mal-partijiet interessati relevanti [11] u s-soċjetà ċivili. Il-konsultazzjonijiet ikunu speċifiċi għal kull politika u jibnu fuq netwerks eżistenti u mekkaniżmi ta’ konsultazzjoni, b’attenzjoni xierqa għall-ħtieġa ta’ kunfidenzjalità f’ċerti oqsma.

25. L-iskedi jindikaw l-għan ġenerali ta' politika għal kull qasam u jagħtu lista ta' l-istrumenti ewlenin (leġiżlattivi, non-leġiżlattivi u finanzjarji) li jikkontribwixxu għall-kisba ta’ l-għan. Il-mekkaniżmu għandu jipprovdi ħarsa ċara lejn il-kisbiet.

26. L-iskedi għandhom jipprovdu sett ta’ indikaturi għal kull politika. Dawn l-indikaturi għandhom ikunu marbuta b’mod ċar ma’ l-għan ġenerali tal-qasam ta’ politika. L-iskedi jkunu parti integrali mill-proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni li jsegwi l-pubblikazzjoni ta’ dan id-dokument u jkunu finalizzati bi sħubija ma’ l-Istati Membri. Eżempji ta’ skedi proposti jinsabu fl-Anness 1 ta’ dan il-Komunikat.

27. Il-Kummissjoni bi ħsiebha tistieden lil kull Stat Membru sabiex jappunta punti ta’ kuntatt fil-livell nazzjonali. Il-punti ta’ kuntatt ikollhom rwol importanti fil-koordinazzjoni tar-rispons fil-livell nazzjonali u jaħdmu f’konsultazzjoni mad-Dipartimenti tal-Kummissjoni.

28. F’dak li jirrigwardja l-leġiżlazzjoni ta’ l-UE, l-indikaturi u s-sistema ta’ klassifikazzjoni fl-iskedu se jiffukaw fuq riżultati tanġibbli ta’ l-applikazzjoni tal-leġiżlazzjoni fil-prattika u mhux fuq il-livell ta’ traspożizzjoni f’liġi nazzjonali jew l-impatt tal-liġi ta’ l-UE fuq is-sistemi legali nazzjonali. Dawn ta’ l-aħħar huma l-għanijiet ewlenin ta' l-"Iskeda plus”, li tevalwa t-traspożizzjoni u l-implimentazzjoni aktar milli tiġġudika l-grad ta' kisba ta' l-għanijiet.

29. Fir-rigward tal-programmi ta’ ffinanzjar ta’ l-UE, l-iskedi jibnu fuq ir-rapporti ta’ implimentazzjoni u evalwazzjoni eżistenti magħmula sabiex jilħqu l-obbligi stabbiliti fir-Regolament Finanzjarju u l-bażi legali relevanti. It-tagħrif meħtieġ mill-iskedi dwar il-programmi ta’ ffinanzjar hi mistennija tkun disponibbli u kwalunkwe kontribuzzjonijiet addizzjonali meħtieġa mill-Istati Membri għandhom għalhekk ikunu minimi.

4.1.2. Mekkaniżmu ta’ rappurtar

30. Wara l-wasla ta’ l-iskedi u l-konsultazzjoni mal-partijiet interessati, il-Kummissjoni tivvalida t-tagħrif imressaq u telabora “rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni” li jikkonsolida u janalizza t-tagħrif fornut. Dan ir-rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni jkun jinkludi wkoll rakkomandazzjonijiet politiċi dwar l-oqsma differenti ta' politika indirizzati.

31. L-għan ta’ dan l-eżerċizzju hu li jkunu evalwati l-politiki mwettqa fil-livell ta’ l-UE fil-qasam tal-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja u li jkunu identifikati oqsma xierqa għal evalwazzjoni strateġika fil-fond.

4.1.3. Evalwazzjonijiet ta’ politika strateġika

32. Wara r-rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni u aktar konsultazzjoni, evalwazzjonijiet fil-fond ta’ politika strateġika jistgħu jitwettqu f’oqsma magħżula. Dawn l-evalwazzjonijiet għandhom l-għan li jipproduċu tagħrif utli u f’waqtu bħala kontribut għal deċiżjonijiet politiċi f’kull qasam ta’ politika, kif xieraq.

33. Evalwazzjonijiet strateġiċi għandhom iżidu l-valur tal-prattiċi kurrenti deskritti fl-Anness 2, notevolment permezz ta’:

(a) attenzjoni fuq politiki (jew sottosezzjonijiet koerenti), aktar milli fuq strumenti individwali (per eżempju, evalwazzjoni tal-politika komuni dwar l-immigrazzjoni);

(b) l-analiżi tal-koerenza ta’ strumenti differenti fil-qafas ta’ politika partikolari (per eżempju kif programmi finanzjarji jappoġġjaw u jiffaċilitaw l-implimentazzjoni tal-leġiżlazzjoni ta’ l-UE fil-qasam partikolari);

(c) l-investigazzjoni ta’ kif politika partikolari tikkontribwixxi għall-għan ġenerali tat-twaqqif ta’ Żona ta’ Libertà, Sigurtà u Ġustizzja;

(d) d-determinazzjoni tar-rata globali ta’ kisba ta’ dak l-għan ġenerali; kif ukoll

(e) l-evalwazzjoni tal-kisba ta’ għan akbar fil-qasam tal-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja (per eżepmju, is-salvagwardja tad-drittijiet fundamentali).

4.2. Frekwenza u segwitu

34. Frekwenza stabbilita tippermetti li jkun sorveljat il-progress f’intervalli regolari u li jinsiltu paraguni F’dak li jirrigwarda l-kalendarju, il-proposta hi li dan l-eżerċizzju ta’ evalwazzjoni (“skedi” flimkien mar-“rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni”) jsir darbtejn kull ħames snin. Il-Kummissjoni tuża t-tagħrif disponibbli sa fejn ikun possibbli.

35. Il-proposta tqis il-fatt li dan il-mekkaniżmu

(a) għandu jseħħ fuq bażi regolari,

(b) m’għandux ikun ta' toqol żejjed,

(c) ma għandux għalfejn isir kull sena ladarba jiffoka fuq riżultati li jaslu bil-mod u fuq data fit-terminu medju.

(d) għandu jkun koordinat mal-pjanijiet strateġiċi u multiannwali eżistenti.

36. B’mod partikolari, il-kalendarju propost jippermetti lill-Kunsill u lill-Kummissjoni sabiex jużaw ir-riżultati tar-rapporti ta’ evalwazzjoni bħala kontribuzzjoni għall-evalwazzjoni tal-ħtieġa li jkun imħejji Programm Strateġiku ieħor fl-2009 wara li jiskadi l-Programm ta' l-Aja.

37. Il-pubblikazzjoni ta’ l-evalwazzjoni kull sentejn jew tlieta jagħmilha possibbli li l-mekkaniżmu jkun sinkronizzat maċ-ċiklu ta’ ħames snin. Dan irawwem użu aktar strateġiku u sħiħ tar-riżultati ta’ l-evalwazzjoni fit-teħid tad-deċiżjonijiet. 2006-2007 ikun perjodu ta’ tranżizzjoni (ara t-tabella hawn taħt).

38. Sabiex issir koordinazzjoni ma’ l-"Iskeda plus”, il-pjan hu li jintbagħtu l-iskedi lill-Istati Membri fl-aħħar ta’ l-2006 u jkun ippubblikat rapport ta' evalwazzjoni, flimkien mat-tieni “Skeda plus”, f'nofs l-2007.

Skeda taż-żmien | Skeda plus (SB) | Mekkaniżmu ta’ reviżjoni | Pjan ta' Azzjoni |

2005 | | | Adozzjoni tal-Pjan ta’ Azzjoni ta’ l-Aja |

2006 | SB+ 1 | | Evalwazzjoni intermedja ta’ l-implimentazzjoni (l-aħħar ta’ l-2006) |

2007 | SB+ 2 | Rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni 1 | L-ewwel reviżjoni ta’ politika |

2008 | SB+ 3 | | |

2009 | SB+ 4 | Rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni 2 | |

2010 | SB+ 5 | | Tmiem tal-programm ta’ l-Aja |

2011 | SB+ 6 | | |

2012 | SB+ 7 | Rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni 3 | |

2013 | SB+ 8 | | |

2014 | SB+ 9 | Rapport ta’ evalwazzjoni 4 | |

(Perjodu ta’ tranżizzjoni bil-griż)

39. Evalwazzjoni ta’ l-ispejjeż amministrattivi addizzjonali għall-Istati Membri hi konkluża fl-evalwazzjoni ta’ l-impatt annessa. L-Istati Membri huma inkoraġġiti sabiex jaħdmu, bl-appoġġ tal-Kummissjoni, lejn komparabilità u preċiżjoni ta’ data. L-esperjenza riċenti bl-evalwazzjoni ta’ għadd ta’ strumenti leġiżlattivi uriet li, f’ċerti waqtiet, data bażika dwar il-politika ma tkun la armonizzata u lanqas preċiża. Evalwazzjonijiet ad hoc ta’ politiki ta’ libertà, sigurtà u ġustizzja mill-Kunsill jew mill-Kummissjoni jkunu sors ieħor ta' tagħrif.

40. Dan il-Komunikat hu intiż sabiex jimmarka l-bidu ta’ proċess fit-terminu medju. Il-mekkaniżmu propost u l-iskedi huma ppreżentati b’tali mod li jkunu jistgħu isiru kummenti dwarhom u titjib fuqhom fis-segwitu għal dan il-Komunikat. Għal dan l-għan se jitnieda proċess ta' konsultazzjoni wiesgħa, inkluża l-organizzazzjoni ta' smigħ fil-ħarifa.

41. Wara ħames snin issir evalwazzjoni tal-mekkaniżmu sabiex isiru deċiżjonijiet dwar aġġustamenti possibbli u titjib fis-sistema. Ir-riżultati li jkunu kkunsidrati jkunu r-riżultati identifikati fil-kaxxa 2. L-evalwazzjoni tkun fl-isfond ta’ l-għanijiet imniżżla fil-paragrafu 3.

5. Konklużjonijiet

42. Il-kummissjoni tqis il-ħtieġa li jitwaqqaf mekkaniżmu koerenti u komprensiv għall-evalwazzjoni tal-politiki ta’ l-UE dwar il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja, filwaqt li titqies is-sitwazzjoni preżenti u l-mandat mogħti mill-Programm ta’ l-Aja. Mekkaniżmu bħal dan għandu jkun progressiv u jqis il-qafas istituzzjonali u legali li qed jevolvi, bil-ħsieb li jiżgura aktar titjib u effettività tal-politiki tal-libertà, sigurtà u ġustizzja.

43. Dan il-mekkaniżmu jipprovdi metodu ta’ tressiq flimkien ta’ riżultati individwali ta’ l-evalwazzjoni f’qafas koerenti u b’hekk jgħarraf it-teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet politiċi fil-livell xieraq. F’dan is-sens, il-mekkaniżmu propost jipprovdi wkoll lil min ifassal il-politika b'tagħrif relevanti fil-ħin għall-kunsiderazzjoni tas-segwitu xieraq għall-Programm ta' l-Aja meta dan jiskadi fl-2009.

44. Il-mekkaniżmu propost ikun implimentat mill-Kummissjoni u l-Kunsill f’konformità sħiħa mal-prerogattivi istituzzjonali tagħhom u b’rabta mill-qrib mal-Parlament Ewropew. L-azzjoni armonizzata u l-impenn sħiħ mill-istituzzjonijiet ta’ l-UE u l-Istati Membri huma meħtieġa għat-twaqqif u l-implimentazzjoni effettivi tal-mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni, bl-awtoritajiet u t-tmexxijiet nazzjonali jwettqu rwol ewlieni f’dan ir-rigward.

45. Finalment, mekkaniżmu ta’ evalwazzjoni bħal dan ikollu l-għan li jirrendi l-azzjoni meħuda mill-Unjoni aktar effettiva u jikkontribwixxi fl-għanijiet strateġiċi ta’ regolamentazzjoni aħjar u t-trasparenza ta’ l-attività ta’ l-UE.

ANNEX 1

Factsheet of JLS policies

POLICY AREA: EXTERNAL BORDERS, VISA POLICY AND FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS |

Factors influencing evaluation mechanism: well established policy area, 1st pillar activities, there is a strong consensus amongst stakeholders for EU level action; there is a mix of instruments (legislative activities, co-operation activities, programme funding, functioning Community Agency, IT systems); possible to construct evaluation indicators, but might be hard to measure outcomes and results and causal links in practice. Methods to evaluate controls at borders are improving, including available administrative information and statistics. Some constraints on fully independent evaluation. There are strong interlinkages between the instruments within the ABB activity and strong potential for ‘thematic’ evaluation examining instruments in parallel. |

Policy sub-area 1: External borders |

Objectives: Develop an integrated external border management system Ensure uniform high standards of border checks and border surveillance at EU external borders Reduce number of illegal cross border movements of peopleFurther ‘burden sharing’ in management of external borders |

Policy sub-area level indicators:The numbers of illegal migrants apprehended that are known to have crossed the EU external border illegally as a proportion of all third country national border crossings into EU (Source: Commission - Eurostat statistics on asylum and migration) The difference between the numbers of illegal migrants apprehended that are known to have crossed the EU external border illegally as a proportion of all third country national border crossings into EU through the most permeable and least permeable border. Note that this indicator would require to define the most and least permeable EU border. The numbers of illegal migrants apprehended that are known to have crossed the EU external border illegally (Source: Commission - Eurostat statistics on asylum and migration) The proportion of all resource commitments to external border management originating in countries without EU external borders (Source: MS) |

Main instruments | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Schengen Information System (SIS) II | Sharing of information among MS in order to refuse entry on the basis of uniform practices | Consistent input and further use of information among MS | Quality and a Availability of SIS II information for competent national authoritiesMeasured by:Number of records per category(Source: MS and Commission) | Success in using SIS information.Measured by: Number of correctly identified persons who should be refused entry and wanted goods discovered (Source: MS) | Reduced permeability of the external border. Increased confidence to promote ‘free movement’ policies. | Clear intervention logic. Evaluation methods – analysis of trends and process changes.Commission responsible for evaluation co-ordination and analysis, MS for information analysis. Most of the analysis will depend upon information from MS. |

European Agency for the Management of Operational Co-operation at the External Borders (FRONTEX) | Improvement of operational cooperation between Member State authoritiesIncreased competences of border guards | Co-operation with Agency and responses to good practice, training and other advice. | Operational cooperationMeasured by:Number of joint operations and pilot projects carried out(Source: Agency)Development of risk analysisMeasured by:Number of risk analyses carried out(Source: Agency)Increased trainingMeasured by:Number of border guards trained Number of training courses and seminars offered(Source: Agency) | Improvement of border controlMeasured by:Effective joint operations(Source: Agency)Increased intelligence Measured by:Use of risk analyses by national services(Source: MS)Better trained border guards Measured by:Use of newly acquired skills(Source: MS) | Improved resource deployment at external borders (due to better intelligence)Reduced permeability of external borders (due to better trained staff) | Difficult to assess causality of intervention. Evaluation methods – case studies, follow up surveys. EU leading the evaluation.(Other EU Agency evaluations have tended to be process rather than impact oriented) |

Action Programme for administrative cooperation in the fields of external borders, visas, asylum and immigration (ARGO) | To promote cooperation between national administrations responsible for implementing Community rules and to ensure that proper account is taken of the Community dimension in their actions To promote the uniform application of Community law To encourage transparency of actions taken by the national authoritiesTo improve the overall efficiency of national administrations in their tasks | Disbursement rate/amount spent per year | Successful implementation of programme measured by:Number of projects implemented per activity areaNumber of training actions implementedNumber of staff exchanges implementedNumber of actions promoting data exchange implementedNumber of studies, conferences and seminars conducted (Source: Commission) | Increased cooperation between national administrations and with third countries Measured by:Number of common operative centres and joint teams set upNumber of cooperation activities in third countries set up(Source: Commission) | Uniform application of Community lawImproved transparency of actions taken by national authorities Improved efficiency of national administrations | Mid-term evaluation to be completed by July 2006. |

Teams of national experts | Further objectives of FRONTEX agency: Better deployment of resources in circumstances requiring special assistanceIncreased competences of border guards | Secondment of experts to teams. | Provision of technical and operational assistance. Measured by: number of assignments carried out by teams (Source: Agency) | Improved practice in border surveillance. Measured by: use of results of teams’ work in border surveillance and efficiency of teams work (Source: Agency and MS) | Reduced permeability of external borders (due to assistance to staff)Facilitated legitimate travel | Evaluation methods – case studies, qualitative analysis. |

Policy sub-area 2: Visa policy and free movement of persons |

Objectives: Prevent illegal immigration and threats to public orderReduce time taken and costs of acquiring visas for legitimate travellers.Reciprocation with third countries on visa waivers. Reduce number of visas given to travellers who become overstayers and illegal migrantsAbolish controls at internal EU borders |

Policy sub-area level indicators:The average time taken from application to receipt of (a particular class of) visa (Source: MS, VIS) The average costs (fees) for (a particular class of) visa (Source: MS, VIS)The number of third countries where the visa requirements of nationals to enter the EU match those EU citizens visiting the country in question (Source: Commission) The total population of third countries where the visa requirements of nationals to enter the EU match those EU citizens visiting the country in question (Source: Commission) The number of EU internal border crossings that are subject to controls (Source: MS) |

Main instruments | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Common application centres(for Schengen countries) | Render the reception of visa applications more efficient through a better allocation of resources.Reduce costs in relation to capturing of biometrics.Harmonisation of reciprocal procedures by MS | Commitment to the centres. Participation in setting up the centres. | Number of centres established and MS involved (Source: MS).Number of visas issued through the centres (Source: MS). | Increased efficiency of providing visa services.Measured by: time taken to issue visas (Source: MS) (Source: MS).Improved use of visa related information (Source: MS). | Reduced costs to visa applicants.Reduced costs to administrations.Increased bone fide travel. | Evaluation method – efficiency analysis. Potential evaluation leadership from the MS and use of peer review process. |

Visa Information System | Improve the implementation of the common visa policy by the exchange of visa data between Member States, in order to prevent visa shopping, to facilitate the fight against fraud, checks on visas, to assist in the identification of illegal immigrants, to facilitate the application of the Dublin II Regulation and to contribute to the prevention of threats to internal security. | Implementation at the national level, including the development/adaptation of national systems. | Number of number of visas refused, annulled, revoked, processing times (Source: Commission).Availability rate(Source: Commission) | Retention and sharing of data from visa applications and related decisions.Measured by: number of entries in VIS (Source: Commission).Measured: number of analyses conducted using VIS data (Source: Commission). | Improvement of application procedures, of checks at the external borders and within the Schengen territory, of the application of the Dublin II Regulation, of the identification of illegal immigrants and of the detection of fraud. Facilitated legitimate travel. | Monitoring and evaluation, by the Commission at EU level. |

The reciprocity mechanism (Council Regulation 851/2005) | To ensure EU citizens can travel without a visa to all third countries whose nationals don’t need a visa to travel to the EU. | Co-operation with the Commission, information sharing on bilateral dialogue with third countries | Number of third countries who have waived visa requirements for EU nationals (Source: Commission) | Improved reciprocity measured by percentage of decrease of non-reciprocity casesImproved dialogue and diplomatic contacts with third countries | Facilitated legitimate travel for EU travelers | Diplomatic efforts on EU level vis-à-vis third countries concerned. The first Report of the Commission on reciprocity in visa waivers was adopted on 10 January 2006 |

Council Regulation on a Border code | To implement common rules governing the movement of persons across borders, to include both rules on checks at external borders and rules on the removal of checks on persons at internal borders and the reintroduction of such checks in certain circumstances.To improve integrated border management | Application in MS that apply the Schengen acquis | Harmonisation of rules governing the movement of persons at internal and external borders(Source: Commission) | Improved border management and control | Improved control of external bordersFacilitated travel within the Schengen acquis | This regulation was adopted recently – February 2006. |

POLICY AREA: CITIZENSHIP AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS |

Factors influencing evaluation mechanism: Relatively new policy area in JLS (although the citizenship policy as such is an established area in the EC/Commission activities), 1st pillar activities, a combination of instruments (legislation, funding programmes, new Community Agency). The nature of the instruments and their objectives leads to reliance on qualitative evaluation methods. However, there is scope for further improvements to the information base through surveys and the development of statistics. The objectives within the policy area are wide ranging and the sub policy areas as defined below are not distinct. There is some scope for evaluating sub sets of instruments in parallel. |

Policy sub-area 1: Citizenship of the Union |

Global objectives: Increase awareness of Union citizens of their rights and of the ways these can be enforcedDecrease any obstacles for the enjoyment of their rights by Union citizens, in particular of the right to free movement and residenceIncrease participation of EU citizens in democratic life in the Union Facilitate the diplomatic and consular protection offered to the Union citizens in third countries |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Levels of citizens’ awareness of their rights and mechanisms of redress (Source: Surveys and Eurobarometer reports)Instances of right to free movement and residence hindered (Source: complaints made to Commission)Rates of voting registration and participation – percentage of increase/decrease (Source: Member States)Number of citizens standing for election to public office – percentage of increase/decrease (Source: Member States)Instances of use and complaints from EU citizens over levels of consular protection (Source: Member States) |

Main instruments | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Directive 2004/38/EC on free movement and residence | Clarify and simplify existing Community law in field | Transposition into national legal systems | Relevant national laws adopted in line with Directive provisions and notified the Commission by 30.4.2006 together with a table of conformity. (Source: Commission) | Correct application of rules and provisions contained in the law Measured by: number of court cases/complaints resulting from the Directive (Source: Commission) | Facilitated free movement and residence | Evaluation leadership by the EU. Would benefit from strong involvement of MS in evaluation |

Community legislation on the EP elections and on the right of non-national Union citizens’ electoral rights in their country of residence | Ensure that the EP elections are conducted according to the basic principles of democratic electionsEnsure the participation of non-national Union citizens to the EP elections and to the municipal elections | Transposition into national legal systems | Relevant national laws adopted in line with provisions of Community law and notified to the Commission (Source: Commission) | Correct application of rules and provisions contained in the lawMeasured by: number of court cases/complaints resulting from the legislation (Source: Commission) | EP elections carried out democratically. Non-national Union citizens participate in the elections on the same conditions as nationals in EP elections and in municipal elections. | |

Fundamental Rights and Citizenship programme (part Citizenship) | Improve awareness of citizenship of the Union and related rightsEncourage citizens to participate to actively to democratic life | Implementation of measures and projects. | Number of projects supported (studies conducted, activities undertaken) (Source: programme monitoring system)Number of ‘beneficiaries’ reached (Source: programme monitoring system) | Improved intelligence baseMeasured by: use of analytical results by policy makers (Source: Commission and MS) Dissemination of good practice in voter education and activation. Measured by:level of awareness of Programme’s outputs (Source: MS) | Improved awareness of Union citizenship and related rights amongst EU citizens.Increased participation in democratic life. | Clear intervention logic. Evaluation would benefit from systematic surveys of public awareness. |

Policy sub-area 2: Fundamental Rights |

Global objectives: Increase the awareness of fundamental rights amongst citizens. (This concerns the rights as protected on European Union and national level including the relevant regional and international instruments.)Decrease instances of breaches of fundamental rights (including breaches of privacy, personal data protection and protection from violence against children, women and youth)Reduce the instances of racism, anti-semitism and xenophobiaEstablish a Fundamental Rights Agency (from EUMC)Increase number of participants in and their commitments to civil society |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Levels of citizens’ awareness of fundamental rights (Source: Surveys and Eurobarometer reports)Instances of breaches of fundamental rights, especially as a result of EU interventions (including breaches of privacy, personal data protection and protection from violence against children, women and youth) (Source: Commission and FR Agency)Instances of racism, anti-semitism and xenophobia (Source: FR Agency)Time commitments of population to participation in civil society (Source: MS)Number of civil society organisations in NMS since accession (Source: MS) |

Main instruments | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Relevant provisions of the Treaties on European Union and on European Community | Ensure that the EU institutions and the Member States fully respect fundamental rights | Compliance of the national legislation and practices with the fundamental rights | Community legislation as well as implementing national laws adopted in compliance with the Treaty | Correct application of rights and principles contained in the Treaty Measured by: number of court cases/complaints resulting from the legislation (Source: Commission | Decreased level of breaches of FRIncreased protection of rights of citizens | |

Fundamental Rights and Citizenship programme (part Fundamental Rights) | Improve awareness of FRas protected on European and national levelImprove research baseImprove intensity and quality of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in MSImprove tolerance in the EUImprove quality of civil society organisations Improve rule of lawDecrease breaches of FR in MS | Implementation of measures and projects. | Number of projects supported (studies conducted, activities undertaken) (Source: programme monitoring system)Number of ‘beneficiaries’ reached (Source: programme monitoring system) | Improved intelligence baseMeasured by: use of analytical results by policy makers (Source: Commission and MS) Increased awareness of issues in focus under the action (Source: public opinion surveys, Commission) | Improved awareness of FR amongst EU citizens Stronger civil society in the MS | Clear intervention logic. Evaluation would benefit from systematic surveys of public awareness. |

Preparatory action to support civil society in the NMS in areas of rule of law, democracy, FR, media pluralism, fight against corruption. | Improve quality of civil society organisations in NMSImproved rule of law in NMSImprove democracy in NMSDecrease breaches of FR in NMS | Implementation of measures and projects. | Number of projects supported (studies conducted, activities undertaken) (Source: programme monitoring system)Number of beneficiaries reached (Source: programme monitoring system) | Increased awareness of issues in focus under the action (Source: public opinion surveys, Commission) | Stronger civil society in the NMS | Clear intervention logic but difficult to measure outcomes and impacts, in part because of the scale and scope of the underlying objectives. Strong involvement of MS in evaluation |

Daphne II programme | Reduce violence against children, adolescents and women | Implementation of measures and projects. | Number of projects supported (studies conducted, activities undertaken) (Source: programme monitoring system)Number of good practices identified (Source: programme monitoring system)Number of ‘beneficiaries’ and victims reached(Source: programme monitoring system) | Increased awareness of the issues in wider society (Source: public opinion surveys, Commission)Adoption of good practice in tackling violence (Source: MS). Better intelligence base. Measured by: use of analytical results by policy makers (Source: Commission and MS) Number of knowledge and practitioner communities created (Source: Commission). Number of improved facilities for victims (Source: programme monitoring system) | Reduced violence against children, adolescents and women | Evaluation leadership by the EU. Major problems of data reliability at the level of impacts. |

Fundamental Rights Agency | Improve the availability, quality, and comparability of information on respect and promotion of FR.Improve co-ordination between stakeholders Improve public awareness of their FR | Participation in Agency’s activities | Provision of data and analyses of FR. Measured by: number of analytical outputs (Source: Agency) Number of reporting activities (Source: Agency). Number of networks of stakeholders supported (Source: Agency). | Better intelligence base. Measured by: use of analytical results by policy makers (Source: Agency and Commission) Better co-ordination of activities. Increased public awareness (Source: public opinion surveys, Agency and Commission). | Decreased level of breaches of FR | Evaluations of EU agencies have tended to focus on process issues.Whilst objectives are clear it will be difficult to assess causality and measure the impacts of the agency. |

Data Protection Directive | Facilitate the free movement of personal information within the EUProtect rights of individualsConclude agreements with third countries | Transposition of Directive into national legal systems Establishment of National Data Protection Supervisory authorities | Relevant national laws adopted pursuant to the Directive provisions (Source: MS and Commission) | Application of rules and provisions contained in the law. Measured by: - Appropriate enforcement mechanisms and remedies available to ensure respect for the law and assistance to individuals through:a) Judicial remediesb) Intervention of data protection supervisory authority (ex officio or following complaints)(Source: MS) | Facilitated movement of personal information within the EUHarmonised protection of individuals at a high level (both inside the EU and in third countries for personal data transferred from the EU) | Evaluation leadership by the EU but in partnership with MS |

POLICY AREA: COORDINATION IN THE FIELD OF DRUGS |

Factors influencing evaluation mechanism: Activities in this policy area are cross pillar and cover a variety of areas, including health, police cooperation, information, evaluation and coordination.The EU Drug Action Plan and EU Drug Strategy are very important documents endorsed by the Council as the basic policy framework for all drugs issues within the EU and within the context of the EU's external relations. They cover all activities in this policy area and provide the guidelines for all Member States to implement the objectives and actions they contain into national policy. The Action Plan takes its lead from the objectives of the EU Drug Strategy and translates these objectives into 80 concrete actions. It concentrates on the two major aspects of drug policy, demand reduction and supply reduction, and also covers a number of cross-cutting themes: international cooperation, research, information and evaluation. It includes actions within EU competence (public health, precursor control, money laundering and development aid) as well as close cooperation between Member States and partnerships with international organisations. The Action Plan furthermore covers monitoring and evaluation and includes assessment tools and indicators for each action. The actions covered by the Action Plan are subject to an annual progress review by the Commission's services. Evaluation in this area is already well-established through the methods and indicators developed during the evaluation of the previous EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan. Reliable data is available from the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction, Europol and the Commission. As with other policies relating to complex, global socio-political issues, the evaluation of the impacts of EU drug policy is a problematical and sensitive matter due to the multiple factors that have to be taken into account and for which there may not be reliable data by their very nature (e.g. figures for trafficking in illicit drugs are always rough estimates; corruption caused by trade in drugs is hidden, etc.). |

Objectives: To significantly reduce the prevalence of drug use among the population and to reduce the social harm and health damage caused by the use of and trade in illicit drugs, and to strengthen international cooperation (EU Action Plan on Drugs 2005-2008) |

Policy-level indicators: The EU Action Plan contains the major legal instruments such as the Council Decision on the information exchange, risk assessment and control of new psychoactive substances, or the Framework Decision on penalties for drug trafficking. It also contains the assessment tools and indicators required for the evaluation process of these instruments and all other actions. These have been drawn up in cooperation with the EMCDDA and Europol, who will help the Commission to keep track of implementation.On this basis the Commission will publish an Annual Progress Review and if necessary propose adjustments. Responsibility for implementation of actions and deadlines are clearly indicated in the Plan. To keep implementation on track, targets whose deadlines have passed or are unlikely to be met will be subject to recommendations for their implementation or identification of failure to implement. The Commission will carry out an impact assessment in 2008 in view of proposing a second Action Plan for 2009-2012. A final evaluation of the Strategy and the Action Plans will be carried out by the Commission in 2012. These evaluations will go beyond the strict confines of the Action Plan and will include, on the basis of the work of the EMCDDA and Europol, a general view of the evolution of the drugs situation in Europe. |

POLICY AREA: COMMON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM POLICIES |

Factors influencing evaluation mechanism: New policy area. 1st pillar activities. Interventions include legislation, programmes and cooperation activities. Good, comparable data is required and is planned. MS consensus about broad aims but not at individual instrument level. Impacts of these instruments on third-countries, and in particular development countries, to be considered. |

Policy sub-area 1: Common European Asylum System |

Objectives: To establish a common asylum procedure and uniform status, To facilitate practical and collaborative cooperation, To address pressures on asylum systems and reception capacities. |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Number of asylum seekers applying for asylum in Member States other than the country of first entry (Source: Eurodac)Instances of MS breaching minimum defined standards (Source: Commission)Differences in standards of reception between Member States (Source: Commission)Differences between Member States with regard to the average time taken to determine the outcome of an application for asylum (Source: MS and Commission)Comparison of asylum acceptance rates among Member States [12] (Source: Commission - Eurostat)Differences in the level of capacity per Member State (asylum systems and reception facilities) relative to needs (Source: Member States) |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Dublin Regulation(Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national) | To reduce 'asylum shopping'To increase responsibility sharing among MS. To increase efficiency by granting MS a realistic period in which to implement decisions on transfers. | Adoption of measures implementing the Regulation at national level | Number of take back requests (Source: Commission – Eurostat)Number of applicants sent to another Member State (Source: Commission – Eurostat)Number of multiple claims (Source: Commission – Eurostat)Number of registered irregular entrants (Source: Commission – Eurostat )Proportion of cases dealt within country of entry (Source: Commission – Eurostat) | Decreased delay in the examination of claims and attribution of responsibility Measured by: average delay of examination before and after implementation of the Regulation (Source: MS)Decreased delay to implement decisions on transfers Measured by:average delay of transfer before and after(Source: MS) | Increased sharing of responsibilityGreater efficiency and effectiveness in implementing decisions on transfersReduction of persons making multiple claims | Numbers are available through Eurodac which allows for an assessment of trends. Evaluation of the ‘Dublin System’ will be ready in June 2006. |

Eurodac | To facilitate application of the Dublin Regulation by identifying asylum seekers and persons who have entered the EU irregularly. To determine whether a foreign national has previously claimed asylum in another MS. | Member States to send required data to central unit. | Efficiency of the system Measured by:Number of records per Member State (Source: Eurodac)Number of successful and rejected transactions recorded in the system (Source: Eurodac) | Increased number of asylum applications being examined in the first country of asylum/entryMeasured by:Percentage rate of change before and after introduction of the system (Source: MS)Reduction of persons making multiple claims Measured by:Percentage rate of change before and after (Source: MS) | Improved efficiency in applying the Dublin Regulation | Difficult to judge whether MS use system correctly and systematically. Some scope for peer review but there could be constraints on independent evaluation. Evaluation is underway of the ‘Dublin system’ which considers both the Regulation and Eurodac. |

Qualification Directive(Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 on minimum standards for the qualification of third country nationals and stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection granted) | To ensure a minimum level of protection in all Member States for those in need of protection. To guarantee the rights of persons qualifying for refugee status or subsidiary protection statusTo reduce disparities between MS' legislation and practice. To limit secondary movements.To prevent false claims. | Transposition into national legal systems. | Reduction of disparities among Member StatesMeasured by:Changes made to national legislation (Source: MS and Commission)Numbers of Member States achieving minimum standards or above (Source: Commission) | Reduction of false claimsMeasured by:Number of unfounded cases (Source: MS)Improved protectionMeasured by:Numbers granted refugee and subsidiary protection status (Source: MS)Improved access to rightsMeasured by:Increased numbers of refugees accessing education, services, employment, appropriate accommodation, integration programmes (Source: MS) | Guarantee of a minimum level of protection across the EUApproximation of rights granted to refugeesReduction in disparities between legislation and practiceReduction of secondary movementsFewer false claimsImproved integration | Common standards difficult to achieve as Directive allows scope for interpretation |

Reception Directive(Council Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers) | Ensure a dignified standard of living to asylum seekers across the EU. Address applicants special needs.Ensure equal standards across the EU. Limit secondary movements. | Transposition into national legal systems | Improved facilitiesMeasured by:Expenditure on the improvement of reception facilities (Source: MS)Improvement of equal standards across the EUMeasured by:Numbers of MS achieving minimum standards or above (Source: Commission) | Improved standard of living for asylum seekersMeasured by:Number of asylum seekers living in appropriate accommodation (Source: MS)Number of asylum seekers accessing services (Source: MS)Number of asylum seekers accessing employment and vocational activities (Source: MS)Number of specific provisions for applicants with special needs (Source: MS) | Approximation of standards of living for asylum seekers across the EUImproved facilities and services for asylum seekersImproved socio-vocational integration of asylum seekersReduction of secondary movements | Common standards difficult to achieve as Directive allows scope for interpretation. Evaluation due at the end of 2006. |

ERF II | Support and encourage efforts in receiving refugees and displaced personsFoster solidarity among MSPromote balance in the efforts to receive asylum seekersPromote the social, economic and cultural integration of target groupsPromote voluntary return | Disbursement rate/amount spent per year | Increased reception capacity Measured by:Numbers of projects implemented per type of action (Source: MS)Number of beneficiaries (per country of origin and target group) per type of action (Source: MS)Number of reception places (Source: MS)Increased capacity of services to asylum seekers Measured by: Number and type of services available(Source: MS)Number of beneficiaries receiving education and training (Source: MS)Increased voluntary returnsMeasured by:Number of voluntary returns (Source: MS) | Increased balance of effort among MS Measured by:The proportion of all resource commitments (Source: MS)Increased social, economic and cultural integration of target groups Measured by:Percentage of persons per target group and activity able to apply new skills (i.e. percentage of persons who benefited from vocational training in employment) | Improved reception standards and conditions Increased access of asylum seekers to health, housing, education, services and labour marketFairer and more effective asylum procedures (including return)An improved balance in effort to receive asylum seekers | Indicators have been developed in the context of the final evaluation. |

Policy sub-area 2: Legal and illegal migration |

Objectives: To establish admission procedures capable of responding to fluctuating demands for migrant labour |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Skill shortages in vocations and professions (Source: Commission - Eurostat, MS Labour Force Surveys, EEO)Employment rates amongst migrant groups (Source: Commission - Eurostat, MS Labour Force Surveys)Estimation of the numbers of migrants overstaying the duration of their work permits (Source: MS) |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Family reunification Directive(Council Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification) | Determine conditions for the exercise of the right to family reunification by TCNs. | Transposition into national legal systems. | Reduction of disparities among Member StatesMeasured by:Changes made to national legislation (Source: MS and Commission)Numbers of MS achieving minimum standards or above (Source: Commission) | Improved efficiency of proceduresMeasured by:Number of family members reunited (Source: MS)Reduced length of process: average delay before and after (Source: MS) | Facilitated procedures for family reunification Protection of right to family life | Common standards difficult to achieve as Directive allows scope for interpretation. |

Directive on status of TCNs as long-term residents | Approximate national laws by creating a single status. Ensure equal treatment of TCNs throughout the EU. | Transposition into national legal systems. | Reduction of disparities among Member StatesMeasured by:Changes made to national legislation (Source: MS and Commission)Numbers of MS achieving minimum standards or above (Source: Commission) | Equal treatment of TCNsMeasured by:Numbers granted/refused status (Source: MS)Increased number of TCNs accessing employment, education and training (rate of increase) (Source: MS)Increased mobility of TCNsMeasured by:Number of TCNs moving from one MS to another (Source: Commission) | Approximation of national lawsEqual treatment and application of uniform rights for TCNs across the EU Improved mobility of TCNsImproved integration of TCNs | Common standards difficult to achieve as Directive allows for scope for interpretation |

Directive on the admission of TCNs for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service | To promote Europe as a world centre of excellence for studies and vocational training by promoting the mobility of TCNs to the Community for the purpose of studiesThe approximation of the Member States' national legislation on conditions of entry and residence | Transposition into national legal systems. | Approximation of national legislationMeasured by:Changes made to national legislation (Source: MS and Commission)Numbers of MS achieving minimum standards or above (Source: Commission) | Increased mobility of TCNs to the Community for the purposes of study/vocational trainingMeasured by:Numbers granted entry for study/vocational training/voluntary service (Source: MS) | Approximation of national lawsImproved mobility of TCNs for study, vocational and volunteer purposes | Common standards difficult to achieve as Directive allows for scope for interpretation |

Policy sub-area 3: Integration of third-country nationals |

Objectives: To prevent the isolation of certain groups and achieve successful integration of Third Country Nationals and their descendentsTo fight discrimination against legally residing Third Country NationalsTo promote the exchange of experience and information |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Instances of discrimination (Source: FR Agency, MS)Employment rates of third country nationals (Source: Commission - Eurostat, MS)Employment rates of second generation migrants (Source: SOPEMI Report, MS)Relative income levels of third country nationals (Source: Commission - Eurostat, MS)Proportion of third country nationals living in poverty (Source: Commission - Eurostat, MS) |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

INTI preparatory actions (integration of TCNs) | Promote new and innovative ways of integrating immigrants. To encourage co-operation between MS and the creation of transnational partnerships and networks. Enhance empowerment of migrants.Promote dialogue with civil society. | Disbursement rate/amount spent per year | Successful implementation REFINEMeasured by:Numbers of projects and activities implemented and average sums of money involved (Source: MS + Commission)Number of TCNs benefiting from projectsIncreased cooperationMeasured by:Number of transnational networks set up (Source: MS + Commission)Number of new integration models identified and exchanged among MS | Identification of new and innovative practicesExchange of information and best practices promoted among EU MSTransnational networks and dialogue between stakeholders supported among MS | Increased cooperation among MS through networks and cooperation activitiesIncreased dialogue with civil societyEnhanced integration of TCNsDevelopment and promotion of a European framework approach on integration of TCNs | Integration policies are implemented mainly at regional and local levels in MS.Differences exist among MS in terms of numbers of migrants and integration experience. Potential impacts may not be significant considering that this is a small fund with very diverse projects.Final evaluation is planned for 2007. |

Policy sub-area 4: External dimension of asylum and migration |

Objectives: Assist third countries in migration management, intensify MS cooperation to manage migration flows and prevent humanitarian crises, integrate migration into third country relations, develop policies that link migration, development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, intensify cooperation with third countries on southern and eastern border of EU |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Increase/decrease over a 5-year period of:Numbers of legal migrants by third country (Source: Commission - Eurostat)Numbers of illegal migrants by third country intercepted crossing an external border (Source: Commission – Eurostat)Numbers of visa overstayers by third country intercepted (Source: MS)Numbers of asylum applications by third country (Source: Commission - Eurostat)Numbers of failed asylum applications by third country (Source: Commission - Eurostat)Numbers of failed asylum seekers returning to country of origin /other third country (Source: MS)Number of victims of trafficking from third countries (Source: MS) |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Programme for financial and technical assistance to third countries (AENEAS) | Give specific and complementary financial and technical aid to third countries in order to support their efforts to improve the management of migratory flows Develop legislation in third countries on legal immigration and international protectionRaise public awareness in third countries on advantages of legal migration and consequences of illegal migrationEstablishment in third countries of preventive policy in the fight against illegal migrationReadmission and durable reintegration of returnees | Not applicable (action is at Community level) | Successful implementationMeasured by;Number of information campaigns organised on advantages of legal migration/consequences of illegal migration in third countries (Source: Commission)Number of returnees benefiting from reintegration programmes (Source: Commission) | Development of legislation in third countriesMeasured by:New legislation passed in third countries on legal and illegal migration (Source: Commission)Decreased number of illegal migrants entering the EU Measured by:rate of decrease (Source: Commission) | Improved management of migration flowsDecrease in illegal migration and traffickingIncreased awareness in third countries on advantages of legal migration/consequences of illegal migrationSuccessful reintegration of returnees | High number of external factors to the programme influence impact indicators. Causality links difficult to establish.As action is at Community level, MS will not contribute to evaluation.May be difficult to evaluate as this is a new area which is also highly political. A Communication on the future of the AENEAS fund was adopted in January 2006. |

Policy sub-area 5: Return and re-admission |

Objectives: To establish an effective removal and repatriation policy based on common standards for persons to be returned in a humane manner and with full respect for their human rights and dignity. |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Increase/decrease over a 5-year period of:Proportion of failed asylum seekers (and illegal migrants) who are repatriated (Source: MS)Numbers returned to countries subsequently deemed unsafe within a period of two years (Source: MS)Numbers (of labour market age) in employment in country of origin 12 months after being subject to return |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Preparatory actions for Return Management | To support efforts made by MS to improve the organisation and implementation of integrated return management and specific measures in the area of return managementTo increase knowledge and capabilities in the area of return managementTo develop co-operation between MS with respect to return management as well as co-operation with countries of return To promote sustainable return, thereby avoiding secondary movements | Disbursement rate/amount spent per year | Number of actions implemented relating to the introduction and improvement of the organisation and implementation of integrated return management (Source: Commission)Number of actions implemented relating to the introduction and improvement of specific measures in the area of return management (Source: Commission)Number of actions implemented relating to the increase of knowledge and capabilities in the area of return management (Source: Commission) | Increased number of returnees Measured by: rate of increase (Source: MS and Commission)Reduction in cost of detaining illegal migrants Measured by: rate of reduction (Source: MS and Commission) | The strengthening of efforts made by Member States at improving the organisation and implementation of integrated return managementImproved organisation and implementation of integrated return managementIncreased knowledge and capabilities in return managementIncreased cooperation between MS and countries of return with respect to return managementReduction in illegal migrants living in the Member States (overstayers)Increased removal of illegal third country nationalsDecrease secondary movementsImproved return conditions | |

Re-admission agreements | To facilitate the readmission to their own country of persons residing without authorisation in a Member State.To combat illegal immigrationTo improve the effectiveness of return procedures | (These are reciprocal agreements between the EU and third countries.) | Successful implementation of the agreementsMeasured by:Number of persons readmitted to third countries covered by the agreements | Increased number of returnees Measured by: rate of increase (Source: Commission and MS)Reduction in cost for detaining illegal migrants Measured by: rate of reduction (Source: MS) | Decrease in illegal immigrationImproved effectiveness of return procedures | Agreements have been signed with Hong Kong, Macao, Albania, Sri Lanka and Russia. Others are currently being negotiated. |

Policy sub-area 6: Horizontal issues |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Proposed mutual information procedure on planned national asylum and immigration measures | Enhance mutual information of national immigration and asylum policies between MS policy-makers | Cooperation by MS | Successful implementation of procedureMeasured by:Number of national measures submitted through the systemNumber of responses generated to requests for information (Source: MS + Commission)Meetings organised (Source: MS + Commission) | Increased knowledge of other Member State policies and measures | Anticipation of effects of changes to other national policiesBetter understanding of other national contexts could lead to an enhancement of the possibilities for harmonisation | Procedure yet to be implemented. Implementation could start in 2007. |

European Migration Network | Provide the Community and MS with objective, reliable and comparable information on migration and asylum. | Organisation of activities at national level by national contact points | Successful implementation of networkMeasured by:Number of products produced (Source: MS + Commission)Number of meetings and conferences held (Source: MS + Commission)Number of networks set up at national level (Source: MS) | Better and faster access to information on migration and asylumIncreased knowledge of issues at national levelIncreased information sharing between actors | Increased knowledge and understanding of the migration phenomenon at Member State and EU levelIncreased capacity to “anticipate” migratory developments | Proposal and impact assessment due by September 2006 for a Council Decision on the future EMN. |

Proposed Regulation on Community statistics on migration and international protection | Improve the statistical knowledge of migration-related phenomena by specifying the data to be collected, the timetables to be applied, the definitions and the quality standards. | Adoption of measures at national level | Successful implementation of RegulationMeasured by:Increased proportion of statistical data items supplied according to the harmonised definitions as opposed to national definitions (Source: MS)Increased proportion of statistical data items directly based on appropriate data sources as opposed to statistical estimations (Source: Commission - Eurostat)) | Increased availability of dataImprovement to quality and comparability of data between Member StatesMeasured by: Improvements in the completeness, timeliness and degree of harmonization of migration and asylum data supplied to the Commission - Eurostat (Source: Commission – Eurostat) | Improved analyses of dataImproved statistical knowledge | Regulation will probably be adopted in 2006. First reference year for the statistics will be 2008. |

Action Programme for administrative cooperation in the fields of external borders, visas, asylum and immigration (ARGO) | To promote cooperation between national administrations responsible for implementing Community rules and to ensure that proper account is taken of the Community dimension in their actions To promote the uniform application of Community law To encourage transparency of actions taken by the national authoritiesTo improve the overall efficiency of national administrations in their tasks | Disbursement rate/amount spent per year | Successful implementation of programme measured by:Number of projects implemented per activity areaNumber of training actions implementedNumber of staff exchanges implementedNumber of actions promoting data exchange implementedNumber of studies, conferences and seminars conducted(Source: Commission) | Increased cooperation between national administrations and with third countries Measured by:Number of common operative centres and joint teams set upNumber of cooperation activities in third countries set up(Source: Commission) | Uniform application of Community lawImproved transparency of actions taken by national authorities Improved efficiency of national administrations | Mid-term evaluation to be completed in July 2006. |

POLICY AREA: ESTABLISHING A GENUINE EUROPEAN AREA OF JUSTICE IN CRIMINAL AND CIVIL MATTERS |

Factors influencing evaluation mechanism: The policy area includes both first pillar (civil justice) and third pillar (criminal justice) matters. The main instruments are legislation including the introduction of new legal instruments and activities to stimulate judicial cooperation. Evaluation should cover the implementation of mutual recognition instruments and the various flanking (confidence building) measures that make mutual recognition possible. The potential to identify the causal links between the interventions and the achievement of objectives is greater within civil matters than criminal matters. Information on the scale and nature of the relevant (cross border) civil and criminal matters is however poor. The instruments in both sub policy areas are potentially reinforcing. The classification of the instruments within the civil matters sub policy area relate to both process (cooperation and procedures) and to substantive problems addressed by the instruments (cross border disputes and breakdown of international marriages). There is also a miscellaneous sub category. The achievement of a European area of justice in criminal matters may be constrained by continued variations in definitions of crimes and penalties. Several of the instruments mentioned under civil matters are ‘forthcoming’. They are included however because they illustrate aspects of the evaluation challenges in this policy area. The Judicial training instrument is relevant to both sub policy areas. There are close links between the instruments and objectives of the policy sub area 2 Criminal matters, and the objectives and activities in the policy area: law enforcement cooperation, prevention and fight against organised crime. Also, it should be noted that adjustments to the indicators put forward in criminal matters may take place in light of the implementation of the forthcoming Action Plan on statistics in the field of crime and criminal justice (see more expanded reference on page 49). |

Policy sub-area 1: Civil matters |

Objectives:To increase mutual recognition and enforcement of judicial decisionsTo establish clear rules on jurisdiction and applicable law To reduce the costs of resolving cross border disputesTo increase the likelihood that cross border disputes are resolvedTo reduce the likelihood of cross border disputes arisingTo reduce the negative consequences of breakdowns in ‘international’ marriages and prevent child abduction |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Number of mutually recognised judicial decisionsAverage costs (of different types) of cross-border disputesNumber of cross-border cases not resolvedSpouses’ (perceptions of) costs of international divorces The number and amount of cross-border maintenance claims not paidSource: MS |

Main instrument | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Horizontal cooperation activities |

Specific programme ‘Civil justice’ (Framework Programme 2007-2013 Fundamental Rights and Justice) | To increase mutual confidence of judicial actors. To increase instances of mutual recognition. To reduce application of intermediate procedures. | Participation in and support for cooperation programme. | Number of meetings, workshops.Numbers of legal, judicial and administrative authorities involved in cooperation. Source: programme monitoring system | Increased knowledge of Member States legal and judicial systems in civil matters.Measured by: Levels of knowledge amongst relevant authorities (Source: MS surveys) | Mutually recognised decisions acted upon/ enforced.Increased legal certainty.Improved access to justice.Decreased costs and time spent in accessing justice due to disparities in civil law and civil procedures. | Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic |

European judicial network in civil and commercial matters | To improve and facilitate co-operation in civil justice matters To facilitate access to justice and informationTo reduce costs of access to information on international and European law and national judicial systems by EU nationals (and therefore increase access). | Participation in and support for cooperation programme. | Meetings, publications website.Numbers of legal actors involved in cooperation.Source: Network management reports (Source: Commission) | Hits and usage of website (Source: Commission) | Improved access to justice and quality of advice on cross (internal) border issues.Improvement of judicial cooperation between MS and courts | Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic |

Rules on procedures |

Regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters (Brussels I 44/2001) | To harmonise national rules of conflict of jurisdiction To simplify procedures for recognition and enforcement of judgements from MS | Implementation | Harmonised Community rules (Source: MS reporting to Commission) | Simpler and quicker procedures to recognise and enforce the judgements Measured by: Length of time taken to recognise and enforce the judgements (Source: MS) | Better and quicker access to justice Prevent conflict of jurisdiction | Clear intervention logic |

Regulation on taking evidence in civil and commercial matters (1206/2001) | To improve, simplify and speed up procedures for taking evidence between the courts of different MS | Implementation | Establishment of facilitated cross-border procedures between courts in different MS for taking evidence (Source: MS reporting to Commission) | Quicker and more efficient judicial procedures Measured by: Length of time taken to take evidence between courts (Source: MS) | Better and quicker access to justice | Clear intervention logic. |

Regulation on the service of documents in civil and commercial matters (Regulation 1348/2000) | To increase efficiency and speed in judicial procedures To improve and expedite the transmission of documents between MS | Implementation | Establishment of common rules on transmission of judicial and extrajudicial documents between MS(Source: MS reporting to Commission) | Quicker and more efficient judicial procedures Measured by: Length of time taken to transmit the documents and enforce judgements(Source: MS) | Better and quicker access to justiceQuicker judicial procedures | Clear intervention logic. |

Directive on legal aid in cross-border disputes (Council Directive 2003/8/EC) | To guarantee adequate level of legal aid in cross-border disputes through establishing minimum common standards between MS | Implementation | Minimum common standards relating to legal aid in cross-border disputes (Source: MS reporting to Commission) | Adequate levels of legal aid in cross-border disputes (Source: MS) | Improved access to justice, especially of vulnerable groups | Clear intervention logic. |

Resolution of cross border disputes |

European payment order (forthcoming) | To reduce the costs and time taken to make payments.To increase the number of cross-border orders for payment | Implementation | Numbers of cross-border orders for payment made | Reduction of intermediate procedures | Reduced costs and time of litigation in cross-border cases concerning uncontested pecuniary claims.Improved access to justice.Facilitated recovery of cross-border debts | Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic. Proposal yet to be adopted. |

European enforcement order for uncontested claims (Regulation 805/2004) | To enable quick and efficient enforcement of an uncontested claim between MS | Implementation | Number of applications of European enforcement order in EU MS (Source: MS) | Quicker and more efficient enforcement of uncontested claims in another MS Measured by: Length of time needed to enforce such a claim (Source: MS) | Reduced costs and time in such cross-border cases Improved access to justice | Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic |

Instrument on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) | To reduce the costs of dispute resolutionTo facilitate recourse to mediation by improving legal certainty | Implementation | More possibilities and better awareness of possibilities for ADR | More attempts to use ADR | Reduced costs of dispute resolution More disputes resolved without going to court | Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic |

Instrument on small claims | To facilitate cross-border access to justice for small claimsTo reduce the costs and time taken to resolve small claims.To increase the number of legitimate small claims made. | Implementation | Application of Small Claims Procedure in the 25 EU MS(Source: MS) | Increased number of small claims pursued.(Source: MS) | More small claims resolved.Increased legal certainty.Increased access to justice. | Proposal yet to be adopted. |

Marriage and divorce law |

Instrument on maintenance obligations | To improve and simplify enforcement procedures of maintenance obligations. To enhance cooperation. To clarify what is applicable (non-conflicting) law | Implementation | Application of Regulation in maintenance obligations proceedings in 25 EU MS(Source: MS) | Reduction of intermediate procedures.Reduced cases of forum shoppingIncreased cooperation between legal professionals / competent authorities in the Member States(Source: MS) | Increased legal certaintyBetter informed decisionsMutually recognised decisions acted upon/ enforced.Facilitated recovery of debts (maintenance for creditors) | Instrument is at the Council discussion stage.Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic. Evaluation requires good data from the Member States. |

Regulation on jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement of judgements in matrimonial matters and parental responsibility (Brussels II, 2201/2003) | To harmonise rules of jurisdiction To enable automatic recognition and enforcement of judgements between MS | Implementation | Establishment of harmonised rules on jurisdiction (Source: MS) | Quicker and more efficient recognition and enforcement of judgements Measured by: Length of time taken to recognise and enforce a judgement (Source: MS) | Better access to justice Better protection of citizens in case of divorceFacilitated visiting rights for parentsBetter protection of children’s’ rights | Evaluation requires good data from the Member States. |

Various |

Instrument on the conflict of laws in the area of contractual obligations (Rome I). | To reduce costs associated with differences regarding non-contractual obligationsTo increase party autonomy and flexibility To increase legal certainty for consumers and internal market | Implementation | Numbers of cross-border disputes settledApplication of conflict of law rules in the MS(Source: MS) | Improved mutual trust between judicial authoritiesFaster procedures.(Source: MS) | Reduced uncertainty.Reduced costs.Facilitated mutual recognition of international contracts | Proposal in discussion stage. |

Proposal for a regulation on the law applicable to non-contractual obligations (Rome II, COM(2003) final) | To harmonise rules on non-contractual obligations To increase legal certainty | Implementation | Provision of a set of community rulesApplication of rules in the MS (Source: MS) | Improved mutual trust between judicial authoritiesFaster procedures.(Source: MS)Increased legal certainty for victims of damages and perpetrators of torts | Reduced legal uncertainty. Better access to justice Reduced costs of accessing justice | Establishing causal links between the interventions and outcomes and impacts will be problematic |

Regulation on insolvency proceedings (1346/2000) | To improve efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border insolvency proceedings To prevent shopping for a more favourable legal position | Implementation | Provision of a set of community rulesApplication of rules in the MS (Source: MS) | More efficient and effective cross-border insolvency proceedings Prevention of shopping for a more favourable legal positionMeasured by: Time taken for proceedings Perceptions of shopping amongst legal professionals (Source: MS, surveys) | Better access to justice Reduced costs of accessing justiceBetter resolution of cross border insolvenciesBetter cooperation between courts and administrators of insolvency | Clear intervention logic |

Directive on compensation to crime victims (2004/80/EC) | To facilitate better access for victims to compensations where crime was committed in another MS To establish a compensation mechanism in such cases | Implementation | Co-operation mechanism between MS set up(Source: MS) | Better access to compensation to victims of crimes in cross-border situations (Source: MS) | Better access to justice Better compensation for victims of cross-border crime in Europe | Clear intervention logic |

Policy sub-area 2: Criminal matters (Justice) |

Objectives: To promote mutual recognitionTo increase confidence and other conditions leading to mutual recognitionTo reduce differences in the definition of crimes. In particular, to explore common definitions and procedures for human trafficking and cross border crimes To reduce differences in detention and trial proceduresTo improve taking of evidenceTo reduce differences in penaltiesTo speed up cross border arrest and surrender proceduresTo facilitate cross border management, freezing and confiscation of criminal assetsTo protect victims of crime |

Policy sub-area level indicators: Number of mutually recognised judicial decisionsExtent of mutual confidence: proportion of officials in national administrations who have high confidence in other MS systems (measured by surveys of national authorities) Level of awareness of judicial actors of other MS systems Number of definitions of crimes approximated Number of reduced differences in detention and trial procedures and definition of penaltiesLength of cross-border arrest and surrender procedures Size of criminal assets frozen and confiscated in cross-border cases Source: MS |

Main instrument (and type of instrument) | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (2002/584/JHA)) | To facilitate and expedite surrender procedures in respect of persons wanted for trial and sentenced persons between Member States | Transposition | Numbers of arrest warrants issued, executed and refusedNumbers of persons surrendered and of persons received from other Member States and numbers of persons consenting to surrender. (Source: MS) | Faster and simpler surrender procedures Measured by:Average duration of surrender procedures (Source: MS) | Increased visibility of mutual recognition, better knowledge of each other's judicial systems and increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities.Increased security and safety within the EU | Requires good data from MS. MS must actively participate in evaluation. |

Instrument on the execution of orders freezing property or evidence (Council Framework Decision 2003/577/JHA of 22 July 2003) | To facilitate recognition and execution of freezing orders issued by a judicial authority of another Member State | Transposition | Number of freezing requests issued and executed(Source: MS) | Increased efficiency and effectiveness of freezing orders Measured by:Faster procedures to freeze assets Increased use of procedures to freeze assets Increased speed of national procedures as a consequence of freezing order Improved access to evidence obtained/Improved recovery of assets (Source: MS) | Increased efficiency of procedures; increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities.Decreased levels of organised crime (Source: Europol reports) | Requires good data from MS. |

Instrument on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties (Council Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA of 24 February 2005) | To facilitate the enforcement of financial penalties imposed by judicial or administrative authorities in a Member State other than the State in which the penalties were imposed. | Transposition | Number of decisions and issued and executed(Source: MS) | Faster and more effective procedures to ensure enforcement of financial penalties Measured by: Average length of procedures (Source: MS) | Dissuasive effect to potential criminals and decreased level of financial crime Increased visibility of mutual recognition, better knowledge of each other's judicial systems and increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities. | Requires good data from MS.Difficult to measure causal links between outcomes and impacts |

Instrument on the exchange of information extracted from the criminal record (Council Decision 2005/876/JHA of 21 November 2005) | To improve exchanges of information on criminal records between Member States | Voluntary compliance | Number of requests sent , number of replies sent -for the purpose of criminal proceedings, and- for other purposesRespect of deadlines(Source: MS) | Improved knowledge available to sentencing authorities about the convicted person's full European criminal record.Improved circulation of information on criminal records for other purposes (e.g. employment) Improved quality of information on criminal records from abroad in the Member State of nationality (Source: MS) | Dissuasive effect to potential criminals and hence decreased levels of crime Increased visibility of mutual recognition, better knowledge of each other's judicial systems and increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities.More appropriate and better informed sentencing decisions | Requires good data from MS.Difficult to measure causal links between outcomes and impacts |

Instrument on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings (Council Framework Decision of 15 March 2001) | To assist victims before or after criminal proceedings | Transposition | Application of rules the instrument (Source: MS) | Better information for victims on legal advice and on their rights, protection for vulnerable victims and more appropriate methods of obtaining evidenceImproved situation for victims in relation to criminal proceedings(Source: MS) | Raised awareness of victims' rights amongst practitionersMeasured by MS surveys Better access to justice | Requires good data from MS. |

Framework programme on police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (AGIS) | Help legal practitioners, law enforcement officials and representatives of victim assistance services from the EU Member States and Candidate Countries set up Europe-wide networks, exchange information and best practices. Encourage Member States to step-up co-operation with the applicant countries and other third countries | Commitments to AGIS projectsParticipation | Number of activities promoting training and expert mobilityNumber of dissemination activitiesNumber of conferences and seminarsNumber of studies, research and evaluations(Source: Commission) | Development of instruments, strategies and activities for cooperationDevelopment of methods, techniques and instruments for operational and training useExchange and dissemination of information, experience and best practices(Source: Commission) | Improved operational procedures and approachesBetter operational cooperationCross-border use of good practicesMutual understanding of respective police, legal and administrative systemsCommon perception of criminality | Transnational cooperation activities normally require qualitative approaches to evaluation taking account of varying contexts. |

Flanking measures in place |

The European Judicial Network (Joint Action of 29 June 1998 adopted by the Council) | To improve judicial cooperation between Member States through direct contacts between judicial authorities | Designation of national contact points | Regular meetings, creation and updating of specific tools (website, "fiches belges", atlas and SOLON legal glossary) Number of cases in which the EJN is involved.(Source: EJN and Member States) | Increased efficiency of procedures and better communication between judicial authorities.Measured by: Average duration of procedures, analysis of outcomes of proceedings, perceptions of ECJ as a communication tool (Source: EJN and Member States) | Improved functioning of mutual recognition instruments, better knowledge of each other's judicial systems and increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities. | |

Eurojust (Council Decision of 28 February 2002) | Better co -ordination of investigation and prosecution of serious cross-border crime | Appointment of national experts to Eurojust | Immediate access to information about legal systems from a practitioner of the nationality of the Member States in question.Measured by: number of cases where Eurojust is used Establishment of the coordination role.Establishment of Eurojust as a potential arbiter of conflicts of jurisdiction.Establishment of Eurojust as peporting authority for problems with European Arrest Warrants.(Source: Eurojust and MS) | Increased efficiency of procedures and better communication between prosecutors and judicial authorities.Measured by: Average duration of procedures, analysis of outcomes of proceedings(Source: Eurojust and MS) | Increased cross border prosecution rates and improved efficiency (evidence gathering, mutual information exchange on procedural matters) Improved functioning of mutual recognition instruments, better knowledge of each other's judicial systems and increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities. | |

Joint investigation teams(Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002) | To facilitate, expedite and improve investigations in cross border cases | Transposition | Setting up of joint investigation teamsNumber of cases investigated by such teams (Source: MS) | Efficient gathering of evidence in cross border casesMeasured by: Average duration of cross-border case reaching the court(Source: MS) | Increased range of judicial cooperation tools. Improved functioning of mutual recognition instruments, better knowledge of each other's judicial systems and increased mutual confidence between judicial authorities. | |

Horizontal instrument for both Sub Policy area 1 (Civil matters) and Sub Policy area 2 (Criminal matters) |

Judicial training | To improve knowledge of relevant EU instruments among legal practitionersTo enhance mutual understanding of legal systems among judges and prosecutors To co-ordinate national judicial training programmesTo promote better language skills among European legal practitioners | Participation in training activities | Organisation of training activities Measured by: Training programmes offered, number of participants benefiting from training on EU matters )(Source: Commission. Participant feedback) | In evaluating the success of this policy, regard must be had to the effective use of available EU funding.Increased number of judicial training activities, increased coordination between national judicial training programmes, development of the European Judicial Training Network.Measured by: Quality of training activities, number of participants in exchanges Improved knowledge of European and international instruments amongst judges and prosecutors (Source: MS Interviews with law enforcement and judicial actors) | Increased understanding of mutual recognitionPromotion of a European judicial culture. | |

5.1. POLICY AREA: LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION AND PREVENTION OF AND FIGHT AGAINST GENERAL ORGANISED CRIME |

Factors influencing evaluation mechanism: Policy based on the TEU Title VI (third pillar). Activities include legislation, including the approximation of crimes and penalties and cooperation measure. Establishing causal links between the EU interventions and the ultimate objective of reducing crime is always likely to be problematic. The current factsheet intends to facilitate the assessment of the implementation of EU instruments in this area. Full fledged evaluation will require substantial improvements in the quality and availability of statistical information in the field of crime and criminal justice. The forthcoming Action Plan in this field (to be adopted by the Commission in July 2006) will address these issues and put forward concrete proposals, including carrying out an inventory and setting-up an expert group. In this context, this factsheet and the indicators included therein will necessarily be adjusted and improved in the light of the implementation of the Action Plan, and could be used as a starting point for discussions in this field. |

Policy sub-area 1: Crimes and Sanctions (i.e. legislation to fight organised (cross border) crime and terrorism) |

Objectives:To combat: TerrorismSmuggling and trafficking of human beings, Sexual exploitation, racism and xenophobia, Financial and economic crime, Environmental crime, Illicit trafficking in goods, Organised crime and cyber crime.To reduce the financial resources available to those involved in organised crimeTo criminalise active and passive corruption |

Policy sub-area level indicators:Numbers and trends of successful prosecutions for (Source: UN crime and criminal justice trends surveys, European sourcebook of criminal justice statistics, Commission crime and criminal justice statistics): Smuggling and trafficking of human beings, Sexual exploitation, Financial and economic crime, Environmental crime, Illicit trafficking in goods (including firearms), Numbers of successful prosecutions for organised crime (Source: UN crime justice and crime trends surveys, European sourcebook of criminal justice statistics, Commission crime and criminal justice statistics)Numbers of prosecutions for active and passive corruption (Source: UN crime justice and crime trends surveys, European sourcebook of criminal justice statistics, Commission crime and criminal justice statistics)Perception of levels of active and passive corruption (Source: Transparency International survey)Numbers of crimes subject to EU interventions and instruments (Source: UN crime justice and crime trends surveys, European sourcebook of criminal justice statistics, Commission crime and criminal justice statistics) |

Main instrument | Objectives | Implementation at national level | Indicators/evaluation questions | Specific issues /comments |

| | | Immediate results | Outcomes | Impacts | |

Terrorism |

Council Framework Decision (FD) of 13 June 2002 on combating terrorism (2002/475/JHA) | To approximate the definition of terrorist offences, and penalties and sanctions in all MSTo establish jurisdictional rules to ensure that offences are prosecutedTo apply specific measures for victims of terrorist offences | Implementation of FD | Application of FD provisions. Measured by: The number of definitions of offences, penalties