Member States are now conducting evaluations of their EU Structural and Cohesion Funds projects and programmes. Have they collected the best monitoring data and do they know how to measure impacts? Which evaluation method should be used – theory-based or counter-factual? As new programmes for 2021-2027 are now being prepared and negotiated, are we clear about what the draft New Regulations say about monitoring and evaluation requirements?

This is an online course over 4 mornings:

• Day 1 deals with monitoring tasks, indicators and the Performance Framework. A Czech Ministry official will assess the lessons learnt from 2014-2020 and the implications of the new requirements for 2021-2027.
• Days 2-4: we examine how to conduct “evaluations during the programming period”. A leading evaluation consultant-economist will focus on the two recommended evaluation methods – theory-based and counterfactual evaluations – and the choices for project / programme evaluations on the ground. We will also describe how to complete an ex post cost-benefit analysis (ex post CBA) for infrastructure and other larger

A European Commission official will describe what progress has been made on impact evaluations in 2014-2020 and explain the rationale for the proposed changes in 2021-2027.

You will also learn how to manage evaluation studies, including preparation of the Terms of Reference, aspects of fieldwork, and typical live issues for your current / planned evaluations.

Break-out groups, mini-workshops and exercises will be used to develop simulations of essential elements of evaluation and monitoring to provide a clear view of good practice in the key disciplines involved.

You are invited to send us your problems, issues and questions before the online course, if you wish. We will do our best to address the problems / answer the questions during the online course!

Who will benefit most?

• officials from central, regional and local government, programme officers and managers, involved with the implementation and evaluation of Structural and Cohesion Fund projects and programmes
• project managers and developers
• economic and social partners involved in Structural Funds and evaluation activities, such as NGOs, higher education establishments, and consultants.