Mapping of performance-based schemes in the national recovery and resilience plans and identification of conditions for a successful use of this method in ESF+ programmes : Annex I: Measures relevant for ESF+ from the 12 NRRPs

This study maps measures within the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) of 12 EU countries and explores conditions for their successful adaptation to be funded as financing-not-linked-to-costs (FNLC) schemes for the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). Most of the reviewed RRP measures covering ESF+ objectives - including employment, education, skills, social inclusion, and health - align with many CPR and ESF+ requirements. They specify programme objectives, results to be achieved, indicators to measure those results, timeline, and mechanisms to verify their achievement, providing inspiration for FNLC design under the ESF+. Nevertheless, the logic for issuing payments under the RRF differs from the ESF+. Furthermore, authorities responsible for implementing RRP measures identified the need for more clarity on the auditing requirements applied for FNLC models to avoid tracking both the costs incurred and results achieved. Despite perceived challenges, Member State authorities overwhelmingly expressed a favourable view towards performance-based financing, suggesting its potential for more effective public fund utilisation. Drawing on lessons learned, the report proposes specific design elements to mitigate the risks of non-payment associated with FNLC models, which would encourage their wider adoption under the ESF+. It concludes with the presentation of three practical examples of FNLC models that were developed drawing inspiration from the RRF.