Are integrated impact assessments the way forward for mainstreaming in the European Union?

Abstract

This article assesses the utility of impact assessments (IAs) as an effective tool for mainstreaming. Specifically, it analyses whether the European Union's (EU's) system of integrated impact assessments (IIAs) contributes to the realization of six mainstreaming objectives defined in the EU treaties. The article first studies whether the legal framework for the EU's system of IIAs makes it a viable tool for mainstreaming. It then proceeds with an empirical analysis of 35 IAs to assess the extent to which mainstreaming objectives are taken into account in practice. The analysis shows that all six mainstreaming objectives have a place within the IIA system, but the system does not ensure systematic consideration of them. There is considerable variation across mainstreaming agendas, as well as across Directorates‐General. The article concludes that the IIA system is no panacea for mainstreaming, and proposes changes to the institutional framework to improve its mainstreaming potential.

Towards an Evidence‐Based and Integrated Policy Cycle in the EU: A Review of the Debate on the Better Regulation Agenda

“…Finally, there is an insufficient account for the mainstreaming objectives defined in the EU treaties (Smismans and Minto, 2017). These are to some extent ‘overshadowed’ by ‘concerns about economic impact and regulatory burden’ (Smismans and Minto 2017, p. 245).…”

“…Finally, there is an insufficient account for the mainstreaming objectives defined in the EU treaties (Smismans and Minto, 2017). These are to some extent ‘overshadowed’ by ‘concerns about economic impact and regulatory burden’ (Smismans and Minto 2017, p. 245). Focus on impact and cost quantification may be ‘unfriendly’ to hardly quantifiable non‐market objectives such as social or environmental concerns (Dawson, 2016).…”

“…A political objective is said to be 'mainstreamed' when it becomes horizontally applicable across all policy areas (in the analysis, these are gender equality; the horizontal social clause; non-discrimination on the basis of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; environmental policy integration for sustainable development; consumer protection; securing fundamental rights;Smismans and Minto, 2017).15 According to the BR 2015 all initiatives with 'significant' economic, environmental and social impacts are subject to IA, but authors argue that it is precisely the definition of "significant" that should be further clarified(Golberg, 2018, p. 32 and Alemanno, 2015, p. 347).…”

Explaining the content of impact assessment in the United Kingdom: Learning across time, sectors, and departments

“…() on the UK and Staronová () on four central and eastern European countries. Others have looked at the content of IAs from a different angle, that is, whether they assist in meeting the goal of mainstreaming some key dimensions, like gender, fundamental rights, and so on (on the EU, see Smismans & Minto ). These studies, albeit descriptive, “provide a starting point for analyzing a variety of factors that might influence the quality of regulatory analysis, such as the nature of the regulation, politics, legislative mandates, or deadlines” (Ellig & McLaughlin , p. 863).…”

Gender mainstreaming and evaluation in the EU: comparative perspectives from feminist institutionalism

“…While this is not the ideal scenario for gender mainstreaming, keeping gender equality present within the governance architecture of the Commission at the very least leaves the door open to future initiatives.Previous research has highlighted that evaluation has been more or less impervious to gender mainstreaming(Mergaert and Minto 2015). While gender is not wholly absent from the practice of evaluation in the European Commission, gender has not been integrated within either ex ante(Mergaert and Minto 2015;Smismans and Minto 2016) or ex post(Mergaert and Minto 2015) evaluation. It is certainly not the case that gender mainstreaming has been convincingly layered within evaluation.…”