1. # 1 22-Oct-15 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 22-Oct-15 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 22-Oct-15 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 22-Oct-15 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 22-Oct-15 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 22-Oct-15 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 22-Oct-15 Management and Economics

8. # Thank you for your attention 8 22-Oct-15 Management and Economics