Interim Evaluation of Cross-Border Programmes between Candidate

1. 1 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics Interim Evaluation of Cross-Border Programmes between Candidate/Potential Candidate Countries (Intra-Western Balkan Borders) under the Cross-border Component of IPA Presentation of Report I at the Specialist Meeting on IPA CBC between WB Countries Brussels, December 7, 2010 by Bettina Rafaelsen

2. 2 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics Purpose of the interim evaluation The objectives of the interim evaluation: accountability and lessons learned recommendations for improving programmes (revision during 2011) The evaluation has two parts: Report I - on the governance structures/procedures (evaluation period January-July 2010) Report II � on performance of assistance (evaluation period January-May 2011) Please note: Report I does not include an assessment of the results of the first calls for proposals � to be included in report II. grant schemes are in their early stages of implementation as grant contract are only being signed now.

3. Report I � recommendations Summary of recommendations in four key areas: Programming: needs assessment, socio-economic analysis and consultations Governance structures: establishment and functioning (JMC, OS, JTS, CA) Implementation of Grant Schemes � application process Likely outputs, results and impacts � preliminary assessment of achieving the objectives. 3 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics

4. Programming � needs assessment and analysis update the socio-economic analysis with expanded statistical basis aiming at improved assessment of cross-border area needs update the statistics used for the analysis ensuring that data reflect the eligible area. the strategy should better explain programme choices in relation to the socio-economic analysis and SWOT to include the cross-cutting issues in all the programming documents (FA, JPD and application package) also in the indicators JDP subject to real public consultation after it is drafted (ensuring also that results are reflected in the JDP) aiming at improving local ownership 4 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics

5. Governance Structures review and adjust the compositions of the JMCs and ensure that the members have meaningful functions in order to play an active role in the programmes secure the links and contacts between the JMC members from the two countries (e.g. increase the number of meetings) carry out a human resource management audit and training needs assessment for all parts of the CBC programme structure to improve functioning transfer tasks to the JTSs including preparation for the TA grants antennas and the seconded non-lead country staff placed in the JTS needs to be better integrated CA need to assign special staff to the CBC especially in finance and contracting 5 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics

6. Implementation of grant schemes - Application process simplification of the applications packages: budgets and log-frames needs to better explained answers to the questions on the application package need to be provided earlier in the process. Need for different levels of training, focus on budget and log-frame and cross cutting issues, and on examples from existing programmes Partnership forums and information sessions could be better targeted Selection process needs to be shortened: fewer steps, delegate larger part to the JTS Further assessment in Report II 6 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics

7. Achieving the objectives (preliminary recommendations) Reconciliation and good neighbourly relations increase role of JMCs as these are important forums for promoting the CBC cooperation and good neighbourly relations Promoting EU integration raise awareness (all levels) of importance of the CBC programmes in the pre-accession process, and raise awareness that is one of the first possibilities for the countries, regions and local actors to implement a EU type programme (methods, approaches, etc.) Prepare for implementation of ETC increase awareness that the CBC is a preparation for Structural Funds/European Territorial Cooperation Promote economic and social Report II (not assessed as part of Report I) Further assessment in Report II 7 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics

8. Thank you for your attention 8 21-Aug-12 Management and Economics