The project: “Support to the interim evaluation of IPA II actions implemented under indirect management for the sectors of Employment, Education and Social Policies, and Competitiveness and Innovation,” financed by the European Union, started in January 2025 with the aim of assessing the quality of implementation of selected actions, determining the extent to which the objectives of those actions were achieved, and providing recommendations for more efficient implementation of future contracts for more sustainable and successful use of EU funds.
The focus of the evaluation was on individual contracts within two actions, financed under IPA II and implemented under indirect management, within the following sectors:
Competitiveness and Innovation Sector – Action 1 “EU for Strengthening the Competitiveness and Innovation Capacity of Montenegro’s Private Sector.” The evaluation focused on the following contracts:
Grant scheme “Enhancing the Competitiveness of SMEs through Support for Women’s and Youth Entrepreneurship”
Procurement contract “Improving the Technical Capacities of Institutions Involved in Competitiveness and Innovation”
Grant scheme “Support to the Implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy through Projects”
Employment, Education and Social Policies Sector – Action 2 “EU for Smart and Inclusive Growth – Employment and Social Inclusion 2020.” The evaluation focused on the following contracts:
Grant scheme “Scientific Potential in Support of Innovation Development”
Twinning contract “Strengthening the Capacities of the Employment Agency of Montenegro in Implementing Active Labor Market Measures, Future Participation in the ESF, and Facilitating Labor Mobility”
Grant scheme “Support to Employment, Social Inclusion, and Social Entrepreneurship”
The evaluation was conducted according to a comprehensive methodology based on OECD/DAC evaluation criteria, including relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation process included document analysis, primary data collection, consultations with relevant stakeholders, and alignment with EU evaluation standards. Data were collected through interviews, surveys, field visits, and review of project documentation, ensuring a robust and evidence-based assessment of activity performance. The evaluation was carried out in four main phases between January 2025 and July 2025.
The evaluation revealed significant progress in aligning national policies with EU standards and strengthening institutional capacities in key sectors. The evaluation, focusing on competitiveness and innovation, as well as education, employment, and social policies, highlighted both successes and areas where further improvements are needed to maximize impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
The Competitiveness and Innovation Sector, through IPA II CAP 2020, demonstrated high relevance and coherence, good effectiveness at the results level, and contributed to strengthening the capacities of SMEs, institutional frameworks, and innovation ecosystems. Efficiency was satisfactory but could be improved by simplifying procedures. The impact is promising but not yet systemic, while sustainability depends on stronger national ownership, better connectivity between the research and business sectors, and more diverse sources of funding.
In the Employment, Education, and Social Policies sector, IPA II activities under indirect management made a significant contribution to strengthening Montenegro’s institutional capacities and were generally effective and relevant in promoting innovation, improving and supporting employment and education, as well as strengthening social inclusion with a focus on social policy objectives.
The evaluation emphasizes the importance of ensuring continuous financing, incorporating pilot initiatives into national policies, and simplifying administrative procedures to further enhance impact and sustainability.
Improvements in administrative efficiency and continuous focus on strengthening institutional capacities will be key to maximizing the long-term effects of interventions and ensuring compliance with EU standards and development goals.
Project Title: “Support to the interim evaluation of IPA II actions implemented under indirect management for the sectors of Employment, Education and Social Policies, and Competitiveness and Innovation”
Contract Number: CFCU/MNE/280
Contract Value: €98,000.00
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 Support
Beneficiaries: Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue, Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation
Implementer: EY
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