1 Cohesion Policy INTERREG III EX POST Emerging findings from the 1 st Interim report Berlaymont, Brussels, 21 September 2009 Pasi Rantahalvari Evaluation Unit DG for Regional Policy European Commission

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

3 Cohesion Policy Task 1: Policy and literature analysis Little systematic evidence on the impacts of Interreg at a EU level In recent years recent years, an 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 Task 2: Data gathering and analysis (I) Good 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 achieved. However, the quality and relevance of some programme indicators is in question Few impact indicators used in the programmes

5 Cohesion Policy Task 2: Data gathering and analysis (II) Significant expenditure on wide-ranging measures (by FoI): 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 will 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 secured 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 Task 3: 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 too within the Interreg community Interim conclusions to be finalised for the 2 nd interim report based on consultations with selected Interreg stakeholders

8 Cohesion Policy Task 4: Developing the typology (I); Objective: To create a communicable picture of « Interreg world »; mapping « programme families » representing typical features of Interreg For strand A, based on the following factors: (1) The level of economic disparities, (2) the political and administrative nature of the border, (3) the success of addressing the priority topics & concentration principle, (4) the depth & intensity of cooperation and (5) the existence of common historic ties 6 categories For strand B, based on the following factors: (1) The degree of overall accessibility, (2) the level of urban-rural relations, (3) the durability of projects and (4) the success of addressing the priority topics 3 categories For strand C, no sensible categories could be created (as only 4 programmes)

9 Cohesion Policy Task 4: 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, DK- S-Oresund, Spain-Portugal, Latvia-Lithuania- Belarus, Austria-Slovakia, Finland-Estonia, Italia- Sloven, FIN-RUS Karelia, Czech Republic-Poland); Strand B: North West Europe, Baltic Sea, Western Mediterranean; Strand C: West Zone In-depth analyses are be finalised in October

10 Cohesion Policy Emerging questions To capture the impact of Interreg, including learning effects on the ground (through in- depth analyses) 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 published in Inforegio Website ( 2 nd interim report to be submitted (in-depth analyses) in October Draft final report in November Final report by the end of December 2009 Thank you for your attention!