Impact Assessment

An impact assessment (IA) is a process aimed at structuring and supporting the development of policies.


 * It identifies and assesses the problem at stake and the objectives pursued.
 * It identifies the main options for achieving the objective and analyses their likely impacts
 * in the economic,
 * environmental and
 * social fields.
 * It outlines advantages and disadvantages of each option and examines possible synergies and trade-offs.