Regulatory impact assessment

Regulatory impact assessments are a cornerstone of the EU’s Better Regulation approach. Before proposing major legislative or policy initiatives, the European Commission systematically defines policy problems, examines alternative options and assesses their likely economic, social, environmental and wider impacts. This process ensures that EU action is evidence-based, proportionate and capable of delivering clear value for citizens, businesses and public authorities across the Union.

Milieu supports EU institutions to deliver high-quality impact assessments in line with the Better Regulation Guidelines. Our work covers problem definition and legal and policy analysis, including subsidiarity, proportionality, and EU added value. We design robust research strategies combining qualitative and quantitative evidence, stakeholder consultation, and advanced analytical methods such as cost–benefit, cost-effectiveness, and distributional analysis. We present clear, structured findings that enable informed and transparent decision-making.