Theory and Practice of Evaluation in the European Union Cover Image

Teoria i praktyka ewaluacji w świetle doświadczeń europejskich
Theory and Practice of Evaluation in the European Union

Author(s): Karol Olejniczak
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: evaluation; European Union; regional policy; national administration; European administration

Summary/Abstract: This article investigates the theoretical background (definition, function, types) as well as practice of evaluation activities in the European Union. The analysis has been led on three levels. The first one is the evaluation use by national administration for the purposes of national public programmes. Second level is the use of evaluation within the EU Institutions (namely European Commission). The last one, is the evaluation of European interventions at the country level. Accent has been put on this last level (the most developed one) that is the practice of structural funds. Author also concludes that despite the evaluation boom in Europe (that has taken place due to the requirements of EU regional policy), the real evaluation utilization and impact on the EU management are poorly recognized. There is a significant gap between number and scale of performed evaluations and the scientific attempts to recognize the real effects and the real utility of evaluation in improving the management of EU programmes and policies.

  • Issue Year: 6/2005
  • Issue No: 22
  • Page Range: 35-58
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Polish