The ESPON 2020 Programme is submitted to a thorough evaluation process that goes from the programming phase to the final closure of the programme.
In 2015, an ex-ante evaluation was conducted by an independent evaluator to improve the overall quality of the programme and to optimise the allocation of budgetary resources as well as the definition and quantification of objectives. The recommendations of this evaluation have been taken into account during the drafting of the cooperation programme.
In accordance with Articles 56 and 114 of the Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, the ESPON Managing Authority has drawn up an evaluation plan for the programme. One or several evaluations will be carried out to assess effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the programme on the basis of this evaluation plan. All evaluations will be examined by the ESPON Monitoring Committee and sent to the Commission.
By 31 December 2020, the ESPON Managing Authority will submit to the Commission a report summarising the findings of all the evaluations carried out during the programming period, including an assessment of the main outputs and results of the programme.