Evaluation in the Heart of French Regions and the European Commission: Its Role in the Sharing of Responsibilities

Taking as examples procedures in use by the French government, different approaches to policy evaluation available to European Commission (EC), national, & regional administrations are investigated. Three types of method & their goals are described: managerial (for the modernization of public services); democratic (for involving citizens in the common welfare); & pluralist (for resolving collective problems). Discussed are the EC interests at stake vis-a-vis powerful national administrations & competing definitions of public interest. Negotiations between the three levels of authority are found to lead to increasing joint policies, necessitating definition of common goals & resources & obliging evaluation. While the managerial device is found appropriate at the European & state levels for examining exclusive or competitive policies, the pluralist approach is most beneficial for partner policies as well as local actions. 1 Table, 4 Figures, 7 References. Adapted from the source document.