Methodology

AuthorDirectorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (European Commission), ICF
Pages11-18
Study to assess the impacts related to possible evolutions of EUROSUR - Final Report
September, 2019
11
2 Methodology
The Study method followed a bottom-up approach to the elicitation of the costs for the
possible evolutions of EUROSUR. Cost estimates were developed via a cost model, the
details of which are presented in this section.
First, a taxonomy of costs applicable to the EU and the national levels was set out. The
current implementation of EUROSUR at EU and Member State level was then c osted (see
Option 0). The cost implications fo r the possible evolutions of EUROSUR (Opti on 1 to 4.3)
were defined alongside the volume of expect ed changes (e.g. increase in the number of
analysts, Border Crossing Points, etc.) triggered by the options. Cost implications were
compared to the baseline situation (Option 0) to derive the additional costs of each option
of EUROSUR. The results of the costing exercise were then subject to a series of tests.
The elicitation of t he b enefits of th e possi ble ev olutions of EUROSUR followed a similar
approach. The benefit taxonomy was established through desk research and expert inputs
and informed a benefit model. The implications of the possible evolution of EURO SUR also
fed into assumpti ons for assessing the benefits. Vali dity tests were ma inly performed via
expert review and making sure benefits were commensurate to those presented in similar
studies.
2.1 Cost model
The cost model comprises of cost va riables as well as scope and vol ume variables. Cost
variables are structured into one unique taxonomy. The cost taxonomy distinguishes
between two main cost categories:
One-off costs representing the investments or capi tal expenditures necessary to
implement EUROSUR. This category further contains two main cost types: Building
and infrastructure” (the physical infrastructure necessary for the functionin g of the
EUROSUR operati ons); and “Operating and IT equipment” (represent ing the
elements of th e IT systems necessary for EUROSUR to function). Each cost type
includes corresponding costs items.
Recurring costs representing the running costs or operating expenditure
necessary to organise, manage and use EUROSUR daily. This category further
contains three main cost types: “Operational personnel” (staff or staff-related costs,
such as training); “Communication and maintenance" (telecommunication
expenditure and services necessary to maintain the EUROSUR infrastructure and
keep systems up and running); and “Operational applications” (products or services
necessary to produc e EUROSUR services). Each cost type includes corresponding
cost items.32
A single monetary value was assigned to each cost item to be representative of the
situation in each Member State. When not possible, EU average was i nputted for missing
Member State data. This enabled the study team to reduce the number of data points and
or assumptions and thus simplify the cost model.
Figure 1 provides an overview of the taxonomy used for th e Study. Va riables other than
costs items were used to capture the scope and volume effects of the possible evolution of
EUROSUR:
Scope variables : The study captures th e current state of the impl ementation of
EUROSUR and depicts its future state in terms of functions supported and/or
enabled. The binary assessment of the implementation states serves to identify the
cost implications for Member States and/or the Agency. Examples of such variables
32 The staffing costs falling within the scope of EUROSUR mainly relate to the cost of information exchange, analysis
and coordination within and between the NCCs. However, the cost of Command and Control functions in the NCC,
and staff costs relating to reaction capabilities at BCPs have not been estimated. Such staffing costs relates to the
cost of providing border guards, and are outside the scope of EUROSUR specific implementation as command and
control functions would still need to be performed in absence of EUROSUR.

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