POLICY EVALUATION IN EUROPE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CURRENT TRENDS OF INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND METHODOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE

Abstract

Policy evaluation systems in the EU and EU Member States have evolved differently over time, due to different adoption patterns, institutional frameworks, and the integration of the EU acquis. This comparative analysis focuses on the evolution of these systems, especially covering the dynamics over the last decade (2015-2025). While the subject of an emerging evaluation culture at European level is set aside, the evolving influence of supranational frameworks through the transposition of regulations and practices from the European to the national level is considered the key element for a systemic understanding. The analysis reflects a comparative approach, conducted considering variables such as the level of centralization of processes, the legal framework, the development of evaluation capacity, the sophistication of methodological approaches, and the involvement of stakeholders in the evaluation processes. Even though the endeavour cannot be exhaustive, having evident limitations in mapping variables at the level of all Member States, it reflects relevant examples in a comparative manner, serving as a good tool for an overall understanding of public policy evaluation practices in the EU.