The evaluation was requiered to examine these issues:

• The functioning of the EMN
• The extent to which the EMN is achieving its objectives
• whether the 2008 Council Decision should be amended

Positive: 

• Quality of EMN outputs with Ad Hoc queries especially highly valued
• Positive influence on policy-making, especially at the EU level, but also in relation to many MS
• Intensity of networking between EMN NCP's and their commitment to the EMN
• Quality and quantity of outputs compared with level of financial and human resources

Less Positive:

• Time-lags in producing ie information and limited comparability
• Very limited impact and uncertainty as to the EMN's role in relation to the wider public
• Relatively low visibility of EMN and weak national networks in some countries
• Lack of resources at EU level to support EMN's development

The full evaluation report (10,3 MB) with no less than 30 recommendations can be downloaded on this link