Exploring the perspectives of a mixed case study approach for the evaluation of the EU Rural Development Policy 2007-2013

For the evaluation of the EU Rural Development Policy in the programming period 2007-2013, the European Commission has designed a Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF). Given a widespread lack of enthusiasm and the complexity of the CMEF, in this paper a comparative analysis of 22 evaluation methods of rural development policy is conducted in order to explore whether an alternative approach for the evaluation of the EU Rural Development Policy exists. The mixed case study approach is identified as potential alternative. This approach combines the analysis of data on input and output with in-depth interviews. First results of testing this method in the mid-term evaluation of the EU Rural Development Policy 2007-2009 in the Dutch NUTS2 region of Zeeland indicate that this approach might be a promising alternative to the CMEF. It is easier to implement and renders useful insight into the question why measures have been effective.Evaluation methods, EU Rural Development Policy, mixed case-study approach, Agricultural and Food Policy, R500, R580,

Topics in Markov Chain Theory and Simulation Optimisation

Heidergott, B.F. [Promotor

Interest groups

The European institutions are sometimes depicted as a ‘lobbyists’ paradise’ where especially business interest representatives will find a favourable hearing for their wishes, concerns and political interests. We identify a number of unique features of the EU lobbying environment: narrow EU-only media environment, multilevel institutional structure and market-regulatory policy focus of the EU. We subsequently discuss existing academic studies into the mobilisation, strategies and policy influence of all organizations that attempt to influence EU decision-making. Due to the Transparency Register, the organizations mobilized to lobby the EU are currently relatively well-known, and, seemingly largely attracted to the policy areas where the EU has strong legal competences such as competition and market regulation. Cause groups narrowly target their engagement and in particular circumstances benefit from several EU-funding schemes. The EU political opportunities are especially conducive to ‘inside lobbying’ compared to ‘outside lobbying’. Interest groups also strategically select the most favourable institutional venues for their messages. Academic studies are inconclusive regarding the relative policy influence of different types of interest groups. They suggest that particular issue characteristics such as salience in public opinion or media attention largely determine whether business interest representatives or other actors find their preferences attainted in public policy outcomes