The Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (AIReF) published its follow-up today of the recommendations received in the external evaluation it voluntarily underwent in 2014. This publication fulfils its commitment to apply the “comply or explain” principle to all recommendations addressed to AIReF, thereby strengthening its accountability and commitment to continuous improvement.
The document notes progress on all the recommendations made by the European Commission and shows how some of them have already been incorporated into AIReF’s most recent work. These include the use of microsimulation models in Opinions on the Minimum Income Scheme (MIS) and on the Long-term Sustainability of the General Government, as well as the strengthening of analytical capabilities in the field of climate change, reflected in the Opinion on Fiscal Risks and in the climate analyses included in the Opinion on Sustainability.
AIReF has also stepped up its efforts to accompany its studies and proposals with budgetary impact estimates, such as in the Evaluation of the Non-university Education System in the Balearic Islands or in the Opinion on the MIS, which includes estimates of the potential and actual spending on the benefit.
At the same time, various initiatives have been launched to strengthen AIReF’s impact. Specifically, AIReF has signed an agreement with the General Council of Economists to increase the dissemination of regional studies and has participated in a training course on evaluation together with ESADE and JPAL. In addition, it has developed an internal database to monitor mentions of the institution in the Spanish Parliament, and technical meetings have been launched with the Department of Economic and Budgetary Analysis of the Congress (Lower House of Parliament).
With the aim of bringing its activity closer to non-specialised audiences, AIReF has launched “AIReF Divulga”, a new space on its website dedicated to economic dissemination. This section offers content written in clear language, an accessible economic dictionary and interactive materials such as educational games. AIReF Divulga is an educational tool specifically aimed at students and people interested in better understanding the functioning of public finances and the work of AIReF.
Despite these developments, certain limitations remain in the implementation of some recommendations, such as the development of a synthetic indicator on the strategic measures of the Medium-Term Structural-Fiscal Plan (MTP), which is conditional on the availability of information. However, specific requests have been made, for example in the area of defence, which will enable progress to be made in this regard.
