Peer Reviews are a key element of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). They are mutual learning processes based on the systematic evaluation of good practice and assessment of selected policies or institutional arrangements coming under the various NAPs.

Peer Reviews are based on existing evaluation or early monitoring data and are thematically linked to common EU objectives for combating poverty and social exclusion.

Every Peer Review is hosted by a Member State which will present the selected "good practice". These reviews will be carried out by a group of decision makers from peer countries, representatives of the European Commission, independent experts and stakeholder representatives with a special interest in the experience and transfer of the policy.

Alternatively, other scenarios can also be considered. For instance, host countries can use the Peer Review seminars as an opportunity to gather expert advice from other countries in order to inform the process of preparation of a major policy reform in the field of social inclusion (or new programme or institutional arrangement). Their aim would be to take advantage of "good practices" existing in other EU countries to improve the efficiency of their reforms. Host countries could be identified on the basis of the common indicators endorsed by the Laeken European Council as the countries showing best performance in a number of areas (e.g. risk of poverty, in general or for specific categories, early exit from school, illiteracy, etc.).

Peer Reviews allow for an open discussion on social inclusion policies. They are intended to ascertain whether and how each reviewed policy, regarded as effective in a national context, can be effectively transferred to other Member States.

To read the executive summary of 2004 Peer Review activities, please click here: | en |

To read about the main results of the Peer Reviews 2004 and 2005, please click here:   | en |

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