The European Environment Agency (EEA) has been put under the microscope in a five-year evaluation covering the period from 2017 to 2021. The report assesses the performance of the EEA and its European Environment Information and Observation Network (EIONET) in light of the European Union's shifting policy priorities, including the ambitious European Green Deal (EGD).
Methodology and Challenges
Conducted by the Directorate-General for Environment and supported by an Inter-Service Group (ISG), the evaluation was based on a thorough analysis of data from 500 screened documents, 83 stakeholder interviews, an online survey, and four workshops. The evaluation criteria included effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance, and EU added value.
Despite the comprehensive approach, the evaluation faced significant challenges. These included limited stakeholder engagement beyond those directly involved with the EEA, difficulties in establishing benchmarks due to the absence of an ex-ante impact assessment, and inconsistent performance indicators.
Governance and Structure
The EEA's governance structure includes a Management Board with representatives from 32 member countries, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. The Executive Director oversees daily administration, supported by a Senior Management Team. EIONET, coordinated by the EEA, comprises National Focal Points (NFPs), EIONET Groups, and European Topic Centres (ETCs).
Adapting to New Realities
Policy Context and Developments
During the evaluation period, the EEA aligned its activities with the objectives of the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP). The European Green Deal (EGD), introduced in 2019, elevated environmental policies to the top of the EU's political agenda, leading to increased demand for environmental knowledge across various policy areas.
COVID-19 and Brexit Impact
The EEA successfully transitioned to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring consistent delivery with minimal disruptions. Brexit, though a significant political event, did not substantially impact the EEA's operations, thanks to thorough preparation.
Resource Allocation
The EEA's budget grew from approximately EUR 41 million in 2017 to EUR 51 million in 2021, driven by new tasks related to the EGD. Staffing levels increased by 12.7% from 213 to 240, reflecting the need for additional resources to support these new tasks.
Monitoring and Reporting
The EEA monitored 123 EU reporting obligations across various policy areas, supporting the development and implementation of 36 EU environmental and climate legislative instruments. Additionally, the EEA managed EU submissions under five pieces of international legislation.
EIONET and Technological Advancements
EIONET Modernisation
EIONET, consisting of around 400 national organisations, underwent significant modernisation starting in 2020. This process included revising the structure of thematic groups, updating EIONET Core Data Flows, and enhancing national coordination.
Digitalisation Strategy
Since 2017, the EEA has diversified its data sources and enhanced its digital capacity. It developed Copernicus services under agreements with DG DEFIS and adopted a new digitalisation framework in 2021 to improve operations through digital technologies and innovative data sources.
Public Engagement and Dissemination
Disseminating information to the public is a key objective of the EEA. During the evaluation period, the EEA significantly increased its outreach through social media, with the number of followers growing by 150% and media coverage increasing by 81%.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The evaluation found that the EEA and EIONET effectively informed EU environmental and climate policies, coordinated EIONET, conducted regular environmental assessments, and ensured public access to environmental data. However, several areas for improvement were identified, including the need for a more robust monitoring system, better prioritisation processes, and enhanced resource allocation.
Recommendations:
- Develop a comprehensive monitoring system to provide a robust database for evaluating effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance.
- Improve the prioritisation process and measure resource allocation to ensure alignment with evolving policy priorities.
- Enhance coordination with the European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), and EUROSTAT to avoid overlaps and maximise synergies.
- Leverage digitalisation to reduce operating costs and improve data interoperability and management.
- Increase transparency in stakeholder consultations and data collection to strengthen the evidence base for evaluations.
By addressing these recommendations, the EEA and EIONET can enhance their contributions to EU environmental and climate policies, ensuring they remain fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving policy landscape.
Conclusion
The five-year evaluation of the European Environment Agency highlights both its successes and areas needing improvement. As the EU continues to prioritise environmental and climate issues through initiatives like the European Green Deal, the EEA's role remains crucial. The recommended improvements aim to ensure that the EEA and EIONET can continue to provide valuable support and information, helping to shape a sustainable future for Europe.
