Questionnaire for the evaluation of the open method of coordination (OMC) in order to prepare the streamlining in the field of social protection
1. Background and purpose of the evaluation
In May 2003 the European Commission presented its proposals for streamlining the open coordination in the field of social protection (COM(2003) 261 final). Member States expressed their agreement with the broad thrust of this initiative in an opinion adopted by the Social Protection Committee in September 2003 and endorsed by the Council in October 2003. In the context of preparing the new streamlined process it was also agreed to evaluate the open method of coordination (OMC).
This evaluation of the OMC in the fields of pensions and social inclusion is intended to inform the decision to be taken by the Council in 2006 on the establishment of a full streamlined process on the basis of a consistent set of common objectives. The evaluation should involve different levels of government in Member States, EU institutions, social partners and civil society stakeholders. The Commission will take stock of the replies to the questionnaire and present, on this basis, an "evaluation report". The findings will constitute key inputs to the proposals for new common objectives and working methods for the streamlined process that the Commission intends to present in November/December 2005.
An open and transparent process will have to be followed in the preparation of this evaluation report in order to guarantee a high level of quality. This should be achieved without creating a heavy and bureaucratic exercise.
2. The questionnaire
The evaluation process will be centred first and foremost on the common questionnaire presented below. It poses a set of questions covering both the areas of social inclusion and pensions; however, it will be important that the replies clearly differentiate between these two areas.
The questionnaire addresses in particular the following issues: the added value of the OMC; the appropriateness of the present common objectives in view of past experience and taking into account the new situation created with enlargement; the appropriateness of the common indicators to identify problems and challenges, to measure progress towards the agreed objectives and to serve as a basis for setting targets; the working methods used so far – both at the European and the national level; an assessment of the future development of the OMC in the social field.
In order to avoid any duplication of work, the scope and aim of this questionnaire has to be clearly distinguished from the reports that Member States will submit in 2005 in the framework of the OMC: the implementation reports on the NAPs/inclusion and the National Strategy Reports on pensions. While these will focus on how Member States are meeting the common objectives set within the two processes, the questionnaire seeks to assess how effectively these processes have been conducted.
As well as being sent to Member States, the questionnaire will be sent, in English, French and German, to other relevant stakeholders in this policy field, EU-level social partners, EU-level NGOs and EU-level associations representing regional and local authorities.
3. Replies to the questionnaire
DG EMPL will publish the replies on its website. The replies should be as concise as possible and shall not exceed 20 pages. The replies, including their annexes, may be submitted in English, French or German.
Member States, in drawing up their replies, are invited to take into account the following points:
- A single reply should be prepared – which means that effective coordination between different ministries has to be ensured at the national level.
- Member States are encouraged to consult actors involved in the OMC, according to their national practices. This consultation could include the holding of national seminars.
- The replies should contain an annex showing which bodies have been consulted.
4. Drafting and presentation of the "evaluation report"
In addition to the replies to the questionnaire, the evaluation report will take into account (1) the reports Member States will submit in the course of 2005, in the fields of pensions and social inclusion; (2) the conclusions from international expert workshops, to take place in the course of 2005; (3) the evaluation of the Community Action Programme on social exclusion carried out by an independent consultant.
The relevant Commission services will draft an "evaluation report", drawing on all these different inputs. The Commission will present the final version of the evaluation report in November/December 2005 in the form of a technical annex to its Communication setting out the Commission's suggestions for common objectives and working methods for the streamlined process. It is important to stress that the focus of the evaluation report will be on reporting on the content of the replies to the questionnaire – political messages relating to the new common objectives will be contained in the Commission’s Communication.
After adoption of the Communication the relevant Committees will be invited to respond in the form of an opinion.