Use of PCD indicators by a selection of EU Member States

This discussion paper, published by ECDPM in January 2015, maps systems to monitor Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) efforts of a select number of EU Member States, particularly their use of PCD indicators. Its aim is to inform endeavours by governments seeking to establish a monitoring mechanism to guide PCD efforts and strengthen accountability, by reinforcing their capacity to monitor, analyse and report on the development impacts of their own policies on partner countries. Monitoring mechanisms and indicators measuring policy coherence for development can help to inform policymaking processes and strengthen accountability, by allowing a better assessment of trade-offs between (sometimes conflicting) policy objectives. According to the paper, there is still a significant amount of methodological confusion when it comes to PCD monitoring, specifically when it comes to indicators. The development of indicators, and PCD monitoring systems, is very much determined by governance structures and PCD priorities. Given the political nature of PCD, the process of developing indicators should be a political process, but one informed by credible independent expert analysis and methodological rigour.