Evaluation and Monitoring of EU Structural Funds

Target Group:
Officials from central, regional and local government, programme officers and managers, as well as project managers and developers involved in the implementation of Structural Funds projects and programmes. The seminar is also open to economic and social partners involved in the Structural Funds process, such as NGOs, higher education establishments, and employers’ representatives.

Description:
This two-part seminar consists of illustrated presentations, group discussions and workshops. The seminar covers:

• the Evaluation Cycle
• the essentials of ex ante, ongoing and ex post programme evaluation
• good practice in evaluation, with case studies
• ex-ante project appraisal techniques (with basic introduction to cost-benefit analysis)
• the development of project and programme indicators
• quantifying programmes
• programme and project monitoring systems

It also details the requirements laid down in the official regulations and reviews the support tools provided by the Commission and other bodies.

Method:
There will be a series of presentations by regional practitioners, expert consultants, EU officials and EIPA lecturers. Discussions and exchanges of experience will be encouraged. Miniworkshops and exercises are used both to develop simulations of essential elements of monitoring and evaluation and to provide a clear view of good practice in the key disciplines involved.

Objectives:
At the end of the seminar the participants should have a clear understanding of all the basic monitoring and evaluation requirements associated with EU regional and cohesion policy. Participants should also have a quick general tool kit for strategy development, project appraisal, system monitoring and impact assessment.