Evaluation of the Operational Programme EMFF 2014–2020
Evaluation of the OP EMFF 2014–2020 is a continuous process, which starts with the drawing up of the OP EMFF 2014–2020 and ex-ante evaluation, and finishes with the conclusion of the implementation of the OP EMFF 2014-2020 and with ex-post evaluation.
Ex-ante evaluation of the Operational Programme
The ex-ante evaluation was carried out at the same time as the OP EMFF 2014-2020 was drawn up, and was an important element in directing and improving the quality of the operational programme design. Ex-ante evaluation ensures the assessment of whether development issues have been recognized accordingly, and highlights potential weaknesses; whether the proposed strategy and objectives are suitable for addressing national and regional needs; whether the proposed approach is consistent and in accordance with the Communion policies and guidelines; whether the assumptions relating to expected results and impacts are realistic and in accordance with funds available. The process of ex-ante evaluation has enabled the Managing Authority to perfect and improve the programme drafts, in order for the programme to fulfil more easily the set objectives in a cost-effective way. The ex-ante evaluation report has been transmitted to the European Commission together with the OP EMFF 2014–2020.
Strategic environmental assessment of the Operational Programme
In the process of drawing up and adopting the OP EMFF 2014–2020, an integral environmental assessment of its implementation was conducted, which included audits of the acceptability of the environmental impact, execution of plans and interventions in protected areas of nature. Complete environmental impact assessments are made to determine and evaluate the impact on the environment and integration of requirements relating to nature protection, nature conservation, human health protection and cultural heritage into the plan or programme. These data are used to acquire a certificate of environmental acceptance. Within the framework of the complete environmental impact assessment, the Environmental Report of the OP EMFF 2014–2020 and a Protected Areas Addendum for the OP EMFF 2014–2020.
Evaluation during the programming period (evaluation plan)
Evaluation during the programming period is intended for improving the quality of programme implementation. Evaluation may significantly improve the quality of programme design and implementation, and assess its effectiveness and efficiency. The impact of the programme will be evaluated in accordance with its aim, by taking account of its target values in the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Objectives of the evaluation system: to demonstrate progress and achievements of the maritime and fisheries policy, assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the operations of the OP EMFF 2014–2020, contribute to better targeted support to the maritime and fisheries policy, support joint processes for generating monitoring and evaluation knowledge, and ensure reliable and evidence-based evaluation of operations.
The purpose of an evaluation plan is to provide a suitable monitoring and evaluation system of the OP ESPR 2014–2020, which includes clearly specified stakeholders' roles, appropriate evaluation activities and a time frame for the provision of timely, correct and consistent data on the implementation of the OP EMFF 2014–2020. The plan sets out financial and human resources and requires targeted information concerning the evaluation results. It is vital to put in place a system that will use evaluation results in further implementation of the programme as well as for the needs of extended annual implementation reports for 2017 and 2019. The evaluation plan presents the progress and assesses the impact and efficiency of the measures implemented under the OP EMFF 2014–2020.
Final evaluation report (March 2019)
Mid-term evaluation report (May 2021)
Ex-post evaluation of the Operational Programme
The European Commission shall draw up an ex-post evaluation report in close cooperation with the Member States in accordance with Article 57 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013. Ex-post evaluations examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the EMFF and its contribution to the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth taking account of the targets established in that Union strategy and in accordance with specific requirements established in the Fund-specific rules. Ex-post evaluations shall be completed by 31 December 2014.