Ex post evaluation of the ERDF and CF for the period 2014-2020

The evaluation is built around the five evaluation criteria stemming from the BetterRegulation Guidelines. Accordingly, it examines the:

(i) effectiveness, achievements and impactsof the funds in relation to the objectives of cohesion policy,

(ii) efficiency, in particular whethersimplification measures reduced the administrative burden,

(iii) coherence with other EU, nationaland subnational instruments,

(iv) EU added value, i.e., whether the effects generated by the ERDF/ CF went beyond what could be reasonably achieved by Member States and subnationalauthorities, and

(v) relevance for strategic political and policy priorities, in terms of creating theconditions for development and addressing emerging challenges for social, economic and territorialcohesion.

The scope of this evaluation, within the overall framework of the Better RegulationGuidelines, covers thematic investments under the ERDF / CF, the achievement of the policy’s objectives, the identification barriers and enablers to effective implementation, and lessons learnt.

This evaluation is underpinned by 18 cross-cutting and thematic supporting studies. The supporting studies drew findings based on a broad range of evidence, including project-level data,combined with systematic monitoring data on the financial and physical implementation of eachprogramme, and literature reviews.

The Staff Working Document and the supporting evaluation studies are available HERE