A Non-Radial SBM DEA Framework for Assessing the Performance of EU Countries

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Management, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Management, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive and robust framework for evaluating and ranking the energy and environmental efficiency of European Union countries under conditions of data uncertainty. A non-radial Slack-Based Measure model is proposed, incorporating undesirable outputs and utilizing a unified efficiency frontier. To rank countries based on interval efficiency results, a preference-based algorithm is employed that utilizes pairwise comparisons and incorporates the decision-maker's behavioral preferences through an optimism parameter. This approach enables flexible, behavior-sensitive rankings. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that several commonly used possibility-degree-based ranking formulas yield equivalent results within the conventional interval comparison framework, regardless of whether intervals overlap or are completely disjoint. Moreover, the study illustrates that the proposed model offers significant advantages over these formulas in terms of discriminatory power, consistency, and robustness. To validate the proposed model, interval data covering the energy and environmental efficiency of 27 EU countries during 2021–2022 are analyzed. The results indicate that the model achieves high discriminatory power, consistent rankings, and robustness against data fluctuations. Empirical findings reveal that countries such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Ireland exhibit superior energy and environmental performance, whereas countries like Romania and Poland rank significantly lower. Overall, the proposed framework serves as an effective tool for decision analysis and policymaking in the field of energy and environmental management. 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advances in Industrial Engineering
Volume 60, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 143-164

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