1 Cohesion Policy INTERREG III Ex Post Evaluation Emerging findings Brussels, 25 September 2009 Veronica Gaffey Head of Evaluation DG for Regional Policy

2 Cohesion Policy Content of Presentation 1.Policy and literature analysis (task 1 in the ex post evaluation) 2.Data gathering and analysis (task 2) 3.Analysis of Espon and Interact (task 3) 4.Developing the typology (task 4) 5.Emerging questions & next steps in the evaluation Evaluators: Panteia, with EuroConsult S.A., Policy Research & Consultancy, Gephyres eurl, Radboud University

3 Cohesion Policy Policy and literature analysis Little systematic evidence on the impacts of Interreg at an EU level In recent years, argument that the « added value » of cooperation should be understood as a series of mutual learning processes but not clear how these lead to policy changes or innovations Calls for more qualitative approach to evaluation

4 Cohesion Policy Data gathering and analysis (I) Financial progress: By mid 2008, 82% of total budget spent for strand A, 80% for strand B and 79 % for strand C In terms of outputs and results, much has been done. However, the quality and relevance of some programme indicators is in question Few impact indicators used

5 Cohesion Policy Data gathering and analysis (II) Significant expenditure on wide-ranging measures: transport (794 m), telecommunications and information society (523 m), SMEs & crafts (496 m), adaptation & development of rural areas (456 m), planning & rehabilitation (442 m), research & innovation (292 m) and environmental infrastructure (249 m) Tangible results and impacts to be explored further in the indepth analyses

6 Cohesion Policy Aggregate outputs & results of Interreg III Outputs: projects implemented measures or actions training events exchanges of knowledge and best practice plans and concepts networks and cooperation structures created or supported 25 reduced border obstacles new or improved services Results: jobs created or safeguarded new businesses created businesses enhanced, diversified or using new strategies or technology visitors of visits to tourist sites supported by the Initiative individuals making use of programme related products or services

7 Cohesion Policy Analysis of Espon and Interact Generally, interim conclusions on achievements of both programmes are positive Some critical voices about the objectives and outcomes have been raised within the Interreg community Interim conclusions to be finalised for the 2 nd interim report based on consultations with Interreg stakeholders

8 Cohesion Policy Developing the typology Objective: To create a communicable picture of « Interreg world »; mapping « programme families » representing typical features of Interreg Based on four main factors: (1) Contextual features characterising programme areas, (2) success in addressing priority topics & concentration principle, (3) the depth & intensity of cooperation and (4) to the extent possible the effectiveness of the programmes 6 categories were created for Strand A, 3 categories for Strand B and 2 categories for Strand C More work needed to make types « communicable »

9 Cohesion Policy Selection of 16 OPs for in-depth analyses Strand A: NL-BE (Vlaanderen Nederland), D-A-CH- LI (Alpen-Bodensee), D-F (PAMINA), IRE- UK(Ireland-Northern Ireland), DK-S-Oresund, Spain-Portugal, Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus, Austria- Slovakia, Finland-Estonia, Italia-Slovenia, FIN-RUS Karelia, Czech Republic-Poland); Strand B: North West Europe, Baltic Sea, Western Mediterranean; Strand C: West Zone In-depth analyses to be finalised in October/November

10 Cohesion Policy Emerging questions To capture the impact of Interreg, including learning effects on the ground To examine how cooperation has evolved over successive programme periods in different programme areas To revisit the objectives of Interreg – by strand: co-operation, delivery of concrete outputs & results, experimentation, etc..

11 Cohesion Policy Next Steps 1 st interim report to be published on Inforegio Website shortly: ( 2 nd interim report October/November Final report end of December 2009