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Impact Assessment in the EU: A Tool for Better Regulation, Less Regulation or Less Bad Regulation?

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  • Jacopo Torriti

Abstract

Impact Assessments (IAs) were introduced at the EU level under the rhetorical facade of 'better regulation'. The actual aim was to improve not only the quality but also the reputation of EU regulation before stakeholders. However, evidence brought forward by a number of evaluations pointed out that IAs are yet to achieve acceptable quality standards. The paper offers an overview of different disciplinary approaches for looking at IAs. It suggests that risk regulation encompasses the theoretical foundations to help understand the role of IAs in the EU decision-making process. The analysis of 60 early days preliminary IAs provides empirical evidence regarding policy alternatives, methodology of consultation and use of quantitative techniques. Findings suggest that dawn period IAs were used mainly to provide some empirical evidence for regulatory intervention in front of stakeholders. The paper concludes with assumptions about the future role of IAs at EU level.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacopo Torriti, 2007. "Impact Assessment in the EU: A Tool for Better Regulation, Less Regulation or Less Bad Regulation?," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(2), pages 239-276, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:10:y:2007:i:2:p:239-276
    DOI: 10.1080/13669870701217847
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baldwin, Robert & Cave, Martin & Lodge, Martin, 2011. "Understanding Regulation: Theory, Strategy, and Practice," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199576098.
    2. Hood, Christopher & Rothstein, Henry & Baldwin, Robert, 2004. "The Government of Risk: Understanding Risk Regulation Regimes," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199270019.
    3. David Vogel, 2001. "Ships Passing in the Night: The Changing Politics of Risk Regulation in Europe and the United States," EUI-RSCAS Working Papers 16, European University Institute (EUI), Robert Schuman Centre of Advanced Studies (RSCAS).
    4. Lee, Norman & Kirkpatrick, Colin, 2004. "A Pilot Study of the Quality of European Commission Extended Impact Assessment," Impact Assessment Research Centre (IARC) Working Papers 30580, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM).
    5. Majone, G., 1995. "The Development of Social Regulation in the European Community: Policy Externalities, Transaction Costs, Motivational Factors," Papers 95/2, European Institute - Political and Social Sciences.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cave, Jonathan & Marsden, Christopher, 2008. "Quis custodiet ipsos custodies in the Internet: self-regulation as a threat and a promise," MPRA Paper 83193, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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