EU Policy Impact Exchange

FRAMEwork at the NetCIEx Workshop 2025

Last week, 19–20 June, FRAMEwork researchers from Osnabrück University were pleased to attend an exchange on policy impact evaluation with researchers and European policymakers organised by the EU's Joint Research Center - where they represented their work in the project surveying farmers across Europe to explore preferences in the design of green financing measures, both public and private.

The JRC Hub in Ispra | Credit: EU JRC

The picturesque town of of Ispra, Italy, played host to the workshop, a highlight in a broader week of activities dedicated to counterfactual impact evaluation (CIE), which brought together leading academics, practitioners and policymakers. Attendees from across Europe and beyond spent two intensive days exploring the latest advances in CIE methods which are essential for understanding the real effects of policy interventions.

Hosted by the Competence Centre on Microeconomic Evaluation (CC-ME), the workshop provided a dynamic space for sharing knowledge, presenting new research, and sparking lively discussions on both methodology and real-world applications. The atmosphere was one of open exchange, as researchers received constructive feedback on their work and engaged in critical reflection on the evolving landscape of policy evaluation.

The workshop marked the culmination of a packed week at the JRC. Preceding sessions included intensive training sessions on CIE methods, which took place on June 17–18. This ensured that all participants were well-equipped to dive deep into the advanced topics covered during the main event. A central theme throughout was the importance of evidence-based policymaking. By bringing together diverse perspectives, from university researchers to policy practitioners, the event aimed to bridge academic research and practical policy applications.

The NetCIEx network is known for its inclusive and collaborative spirit and welcomed participants from all backgrounds. The workshop itself was free of charge, helping ensure broad accessibility while maintaining a high standard of discussion and debate. The workshop underscored the ongoing evolution of the Network on Counterfactual Impact Evaluation. Through strategic partnerships between the JRC and universities, research institutions, and policy organisations worldwide, the network continues to drive forward the field of causal policy evaluation.

As participants returned to their home institutions, they carried with them not only new insights and connections, but also a renewed sense of purpose in advancing the frontiers of policy impact evaluation. It was great for FRAMEwork to be a part of proceedings at NetCIEx 2025, as we share in the collaborative pursuit of better, evidence-based policy outcomes.