Assessment

In policy analysis, the term ‘Assessment’ is often used both anticipatorily (to guide future policy decisions) and retrospectively, while the term ‘Evaluation’ is typically used retrospectively after a policy has been implemented. In this handbook, we primarily use the term ‘assess’ for both anticipatory and retrospective analyses of policy coherence.

Coherence

Policy coherence refers to how well different policies work together. Coherence can be defined as the extent to which policies strengthen each other by promoting synergies or reducing conflicts between objectives and measures both in design and during implementation.

Effectiveness

Policy effectiveness refers to the achievement of the expected policy objectives by the policy’s own measures. This involves comparing the effects and impacts of the measures with its intended objectives. Policy coherence may facilitate policy effectiveness and the other way around, and are thus closely interrelated concepts.

Measures

The specific actions taken to achieve the objectives of a concrete policy or a plan.

Objectives

The outcomes the policy sets out to achieve, as specified in the articles of the policy document. Policy objectives may be referred to in policy documents as goals, objectives, targets, commitments, or in other ways. They can be overarching, general, not quantified goals and/or specific quantified targets.

General objectives

The overall goals of a policy, expressed in terms of ‘policy outcome’ or ‘policy impact’. These objectives are often broad goals that are not quantifiable and do not have a specific timeline.

Specific objectives

The targets to be achieved to meet the general objectives. Specific objectives are expressed in terms of the direct and short-term results of a policy. Specific objectives tend to be measurable targets with a deadline or a specified time limit and may have associated result indicators.

Policy area

A policy area refers to a substantive group of policies that has formed around societal or sectoral interests. Examples of policy areas are environmental protection, trade, transport, waste, or renewable energy.

Policy

The term policy is understood in a broad sense, referring to a set of objectives, rules and measures that provide guidance for solving a particular societal issue. In this handbook, a policy can encompass substantive documents such as white papers and strategies as well as specific laws and regulations, or directives. Many of the examples provided throughout the handbook are EU-level policies, such as regulations and directives.