EU Policy Related Work

In recent years, key studies undertaken by RPA for the European Commission in the area of policy evaluation and impact assessment include: a business impact assessment of the new EU Chemicals Policy (REACH); a cost-benefit analysis of the amendment to the Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility; a Comparative Study of Cosmetics Legislation in the EU and other Principal and Emerging Markets; and an Extended Impact Assessment of policy options for promoting the sustainability of European tourism. RPA has just completed a study on the impacts of proposed modifications to the Toy Safety Directive and the Low Voltage Directive.

Other studies of relevance include an analysis of the progress, accuracy and implications of the transposition of Directives 1999/51/EC and 1999/43/EC into national legislation in Member States and an ex-ante assessment of costs and benefits associated with a wide range of policies, including: the EU Marine Thematic Strategy; the Water Framework Directive; the Directive on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms; and the Noise Emissions Directive.

We have also assessed common practice in the tourism industry on providing access for disabled people and the potential for generating economic and social benefits, as well reviewing non-regulatory measures for ensuring consumer safety in fairgrounds and amusement parks as an approach to reducing the need for legislation.