Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

The findings obtained during policy impact assessment as of 2008 onwards have been presented to relevant Government institutions and civil society. Further activity directions have been identified jointly by these sectors, paving the way for the findings to directly influence, through Government relevant laws and programs, the identification of the measures for improving the living standards of the poorest population in Serbia in the forthcoming period. Furthermore, this shall enable further capacity building primarily of Government institutions for conducting regular policy impact assessment and commitment to creating a democratic and accountable Government.

In the period between November 2009 and February 2010, we have analyzed to what extent the conclusions and recommendations, given in some of the assessments realized, influenced decision-makers and to what extent they are reflected in new legal resolutions, strategic frameworks, measures and plans of competent ministries and other partner organizations. We also wanted to answer the question: To what extent have new measures, policies and/or laws been created on the basis of the objective indicators and data obtained in the assessments conducted and presented to decision-makers and the general public?

General impression is that the Policy Impact Assessments conducted in the field of education have had significant impact on creating new legal solutions covered by the Law on the Foundations of the Education System and the Law on Preschool Education. Furthermore, all relevant policies were included in the report on implementation of the National Action Plan for Children, as well as in the new National Action Plan for Children, and the assessments have also been used for the Millennium Development Goals Report. Findings and recommendations were also used in preparation of new IPA projects, as well as for the making of adequate measures and mechanisms for implementation of activities within DILS Project.

The Serbian Rural Development Strategic Framework adopted only some of the recommendations. This strategic document is still under the adoption procedure. There is an evident problem in communication and coordination between the two important sectors of the competent ministry, Agricultural and Rural Development Sectors, because their strategic documents still need to be harmonized.

Policy impact assessments implemented in the employment sector affected the new legal framework, since the new Law on Employment and Unemployment Insurance (May 2009) introduced the annual planning cycle. The basic instrument of the active employment policy is the National Employment Action Plan representing a significant novelty.