Evaluation
Evaluation is defined by the European Commission as "a judgement of interventions according to their results, impacts and the needs they aim to satisfy".
It is a systematic tool which provides evidence-based information which can guide decision-making for planning, designing and implementing EU policies. It also enhances the legitimacy of decisions and the accountability of decision-makers.
Evaluation and EU Cohesion Policy 2007 - 2013
The general aim of evaluating Cohesion Policy is to "improve the quality, effectiveness and consistency" of the assistance from the Funds.
It also aims to improve the strategy and implementation of operational programmes with respect to the specific structural problems affecting the Member States and regions concerned. In doing so, it aims to take account of the objective of sustainable development and of the relevant Community legislation concerning environmental impact and strategic environmental assessment.
Council Regulation 1083/2006 provides the legal basis for the evaluation of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund 2007-2013.
Evaluations shall be carried out under the responsibility of the Member State or the European Commission as appropriate, in accordance with the principle of proportionality. The Commission also provides indicative guidance on evaluation methods, including quality standards.
Background
Evaluation has a relatively long tradition in the European Commission, since it first began on a sectorial basis in the 1980s.
General interest in evaluation then grew substantially in the 1990s due to an increasing focus on accountability, budgetary stringency and effective programme execution. Strengthening evaluation became an important element of the reform of the Commission, which started in 2000.
Evaluation of the Structural Funds was first introduced in the 1994-1999 programming period and continued during the 2000-2006 period. In general, evaluations undertaken during the 2004-2006 period provided some important information on how the added value and implementation of cohesion policy could be further improved.
The analysis of the results achieved has significantly contributed to future programming.On the basis of lessons learnt and capacities developed, the approach to evaluation has been further modified within the regulatory framework for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013.
Evaluation exercises
Further information and resources