The project „Support to the evaluation of IPA II actions Implemented under indirect management“, funded by the European Union, started in September 2024 with the aim of assessing the quality of implementation of selected actions and determining the extent to which the objectives of those actions have been achieved, as well as providing recommendations for more efficient implementation of future contracts for a more sustainable and successful use of EU funds.
The focus of the evaluation is on the three actions, financed under IPA II and implemented under indirect management, which are as follows:
► Sector Environment and Climate Action – Action “Capacity Building and Acquis related Activities for Sector Environment & Climate Action“
► Sector Competitiveness and Innovation – Action “Strengthening Competitiveness and Innovation sector of Montenegro“
► Sector Employment and Social Policies – Joint EU-MNE programme for Employment, Education and Social Welfare (2015-2017) (SOPEES 2015-2017) – Action 1 – Improving the labor market and increasing employability and Action 3 – Improving social inclusion and social and child protection system
The conducted evaluation was founded in comprehensive methodology based on the 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 and reviews of project documentation, ensuring a robust and evidence-based assessment of the performance of activities. The evaluation was carried out in four main phases from September 2024 to May 2025.
The evaluation revealed significant progress in aligning national policies with EU standards and strengthening institutional capacities in key sectors. The evaluation, which focused on environmental and climate actions, 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.
In the Environment and Climate Action Sector, activities have succeeded in strengthening the capacity 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 financing for municipalities, strengthening coordination among relevant institutions and enhancing financial frameworks for local authorities.
The Competitiveness and Innovation Sector records positive results in strengthening institutional resilience, economic governance and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Single Access Point (SAP) for SMEs has proven to be a valuable resource. To further enhance this sector, the evaluation suggests simplifying regulatory processes, developing a comprehensive support platform for SMEs and creating innovation ecosystems through clusters and diversified funding sources.
In the Employment and Social Policies Sector, activities have had a measurable impact on generating employment, labor market integration and expanding social services. Recommendations for this sector include strengthening community-based service models, integrating self-employment programmes 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 emphasizes the need for continuous improvement of procedures and systems to ensure that these EU-funded programmees achieve their full potential in contribution to the long-term development goals of Montenegro.
Project Title: „Support to the evaluation of IPA II actions implemented under indirect management”
Contract Number: CFCU/MNE/278
Contract value: 193,000 EUR
Contracting Authority: Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, Directorate for Financing and Contracting of EU funds
Main Beneficiary: Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, Directorate for Coordination of the EU Financial Support
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 Demography
Contractor: EY
Overall Evaluation Report_for publishing