EEA reorganises to meet new challenges

After six years of operation the Agency has decided to reorganise to meet future challenges more effectively. The reorganisation will be implemented over the summer period and completed by 1 September. A new EEA strategy has been developed as part of the preparations for the reorganisation.

There are four main reasons for the reorganisation:

1. Enlargement: The EEA will be the first Community body to have the candidate countries as members. Today there are 18 EEA member countries and we expect to welcome 13-14 new member countries in the coming months. The organisation is therefore being extended and adapted to manage the increased number of member countries and the increased workload, larger budget and increase in staff that will result.
2. Adjusting to the new EEA strategy: EEA has analysed the recent changes in Europe's environment policy agenda and revised its strategy to meet the needs of our key clients. The reorganisation takes the new strategy into account.
3. Reform of the European Commission: Developments in the Commission's reform process have been followed closely and the EEA reorganisation reflects these upcoming changes.
4. Evaluation of the EEA: Following the recommendations of an independent evaluation of the Agency conducted last year, the reorganisation aims at better balancing:

• short, medium and long term developments
• external relations, EEA management and Group management
• innovation and routine activities
• work on products and services
• EEA development and individual staff development.

Furthermore the reorganisation aims to improve communication tools.

The reorganisation
As shown below, the new organisation will comprise the Executive Director's Office (EDO), Administration and Finance Department (ADM) and four Operational Programmes: Strategic Development and Institutional Relations (SDI), Environmental Assessment (EAS), Reporting and Networking Coordination (RNC) and Information Technology and Services (ITS).

The four Operational Programmes will be subdivided where appropriate into Groups based on similar areas of expertise/activity. Line management will be carried out through the Programmes and Programme Managers will delegate some responsibilities to Group leaders. Ad hoc cross-cutting Teams with specific terms of reference will be formed to address specific products and services.

An increase in support staff for Groups and Teams is foreseen to improve the Agency's efficiency and effectiveness.