The failure of the Troika to measure the impact of the economic adjustment programmes on the vulnerable

Abstract:

The economic adjustment programmes for Ireland, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus were based on a range of legal measures and economic policy documents. In each programme, the concept of ‘monitoring the impact of the programme measures on the vulnerable’ was expressed, though in different formats.

Based on research undertaken on the quarterly reviews compiled by the Troika missions to each of the four bail-out states, this article demonstrates that an inconsistent approach was taken to the monitoring of the impact of the programme measures on vulnerable groups and that statistical information was used in a haphazard manner. The legal consequences of this failure to adequately undertake statistical monitoring is examined in the context of challenges mounted to aspects of some of the bailout programmes before the European Court of Human Rights and the Committee of Social Rights.

The article highlights how information concerning the impact on the vulnerable was accessible through the Union’s longstanding commitment to provide statistical data through Eurostat and the specific availability of figures on social deprivation through the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC).