Phare Environment Thematic Evaluation : Phare Ex Post Evaluation. Phase 3, Thematic Evaluation: Environment

The purpose of this ex post thematic evaluation is to review 1999-2001 Phare environment programmes and post-2001 allocations to Phare environment programmes. Its overall objective is to provide accountability with respect to the use of European Commission funds,and lessons learned for decision-making on improvements in pre-accession aid to remaining and future candidate countries. ... The purpose of this ex post thematic evaluation is to review 1999-2001 Phare environment programmes as well as post-2001 allocations to Phare environment programmes. It forms part of a broader Phare ex post evaluation exercise that covers Phare multi-beneficiary programmes(Phase 1), national and cross border co-operation programmes (Phase 2), and the thematic evaluations (Phase 3). This report was prepared during April and June 2006,1 and took account of developments up to and including the end of May 2006. The evaluation is based on an analysis of documents provided at the start, during and on completion of the Programmes, including previous ex post and interim evaluations, and on interviews with beneficiaries and stakeholders. It examines the performance of the programmes in addressing the objectives stated in the formal programming documents, provides a general assessment of the programmes and draws conclusions and lessons learned from them. Following a sample approach this evaluation had its geographical focus on Bulgaria and Romania and three 2004 new member states (Latvia, Poland and Slovenia).