The project “Support to the Evaluation of IPA II Actions Implemented under Indirect Management”, funded by the European Union, began in September 2024. Its aim was to assess the quality of implementation of selected actions, determine the extent to which their objectives were achieved, and provide recommendations for more efficient implementation of future contracts to ensure more sustainable and successful use of EU funds.
The evaluation focused on three actions funded under IPA II and implemented under indirect management, across the following sectors:
► Environment and Climate Action Sector – Action: “Strengthening Capacities and Activities Related to the Legal Framework for the Environment and Climate Action Sector”
► Competitiveness and Innovation Sector – Action: “Strengthening Competitiveness and Innovation in Montenegro”
► Employment and Social Policy Sector – EU-Montenegro Joint Programme on Employment, Education, and Social Protection (2015–2017) (SOPEES 2015–2017)
– Action 1: Improving the Labor Market and Increasing Employability
– Action 3: Enhancing Social Inclusion and the Social and Child Protection System
The evaluation was conducted using a comprehensive methodology based on OECD/DAC evaluation criteria, including relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. The process included document analysis, collection of primary data, consultations with stakeholders, and alignment with EU evaluation standards. Data were collected through interviews, surveys, and project documentation reviews, ensuring a robust, evidence-based performance assessment. The evaluation was carried out in four main phases between September 2024 and May 2025.
The evaluation revealed significant progress in aligning national policies with EU standards and strengthening institutional capacities in key sectors. The focus on the environment and climate action, competitiveness and innovation, and education, employment, and social policies highlighted both successes and areas requiring further improvement to maximize impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
In the environment and climate action sector, activities successfully enhanced the ability of national institutions to develop policies and prepare investment projects. However, challenges remain in solid waste management and project implementation at the municipal level. The evaluation recommends improving access to funding for municipalities, strengthening coordination among relevant institutions, and enhancing financial frameworks for local governments.
The competitiveness and innovation sector showed positive outcomes in strengthening institutional resilience, economic governance, and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Single Access Point (SAP) for SMEs proved to be a valuable resource. To further improve the sector, the evaluation suggests simplifying regulatory processes, developing a comprehensive SME support platform, and fostering innovation ecosystems through clusters and diversified funding sources.
In the employment and social policy sector, the activities had a measurable impact on job creation, labor market integration, and the expansion of social services. Recommendations for this sector include strengthening community-based service models, integrating self-employment programs into the national budget, developing sustainable financing mechanisms for social services, and improving monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure effective social protection initiatives.
The evaluation underscores the need for continuous improvement of procedures and systems to ensure that EU-funded programs reach their full potential in contributing to Montenegro’s long-term development goals.
Project Title: Support to the Evaluation of IPA II Actions Implemented under Indirect Management
Contract Number: CFCU/MNE/278
Contract Value: €193,000.00
Contracting Authority: Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, Directorate for Financing and Contracting of EU Assistance Funds
Main Beneficiary: Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, Directorate for Coordination of EU Financial Assistance
Project Beneficiaries: Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development; Ministry of Economic Development; Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue; Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demographics
Implementer: EY