New EU Structural and Cohesion Funds programmes for the period 2021-2027 are now being prepared, agreed and implemented. Member States are setting up monitoring systems and writing Evaluation Plans for the new period. Are Member States clear about what the New Regulations say about the new monitoring and evaluation requirements?

Programme Authorities continue to conduct evaluations of their 2014-2020 programmes and projects, as well as planning evaluations for the 2021-2027 period. Are Managing Authorities successful in collecting the best possible monitoring data and are they clear about how to measure the impact of interventions? Which evaluation methods should be used – theory-based and/or counter-factual? Should they use ex-post CBA?

This is a webinar over 5 days (mornings and afternoons):

• Days 1 & 2 deal 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 2-5: we examine how to conduct “evaluations during the programming period”. A leading evaluation consultant-economist will focus on the two broad 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 what is expected 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.

Course methodology

Break-out groups, mini-workshops, exercises and videos 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.

A modest element of home-learning will be included in the seminar, to take place between the teaching days: links to exciting technical videos will be provided, which participants can watch in their own time.