In a context requiring, first, that the funds be used nimbly to shore up the recovery and, second, a lasting impact to encourage the structural transformation, the ongoing assessment of the projects financed using those funds is the most effective answer to squaring these short and long-term objectives and to strengthening the necessary public fund control mechanisms. Ongoing assessment allows for experimentation with new ideas and transformative projects. It also minimises the danger of continuing to channel funds to projects which are attractive a priori, but which do not yield the expected results. Making mistakes can sometimes be a part of long-term success; however, persisting in the error never is. Spain and Europe need Next Generation EU to be a success, on account of it representing a chance to ready ourselves for the future and making the case for further European integration. Indeed, the need for the European funds to help foster our economy’s transformation is also determined by the requirement that the funds be used in conjunction with reforms addressing the structural defects that, according to the evidence, have weighed down growth and hampered our society’s well-being for decades (e.g. those related to low productivity and the poor functioning of our labour market).
We can do so adopting a culture of permanent assessment of the actions arising from our responsibilities; providing other economic policymakers with the best analyses and proposals for improving economic growth and citizens’ well-being; assisting and collaborating with the research community in the use of our information to contribute to that objective; and promoting – also in collaboration with the public and private sectors – the economic and financial education of the public at large, enabling them to sufficiently understand and appreciate public policies and take the best financial decisions for themselves. This is part and parcel of our commitment and service to Spanish society. 1 For a discussion of the role of the independence of economic regulators, see P. Hernández de Cos  (2020), Testimony by the Governor of the Banco de España before the Audit Committee on Democratic Quality, the Fight against Corruption, and Institutional and Legal Reforms. 2 See S. Albrizio and J. F. Geli (2021), “ An empirical analysis of the determinants that can boost Next Generation  EU’s effectiveness”, Analytical Articles, Economic Bulletin 4/2021, Banco de España. 3 For a discussion on the importance of the use of administrative data by researchers, see M. Arellano (2018), “El  acceso a los microdatos administrativos públicos: la nueva frontera de la investigación económica y social”, XVIII Aula de Verano Ortega y Gasset, UIMP, Santander, 20–21 August. 4 See the Banco de España “Survey of Financial Competences”.