TAIEX : Multi-Beneficiary Programme Programmes covered: ZZ-9626, ZZ-9734, ZZ-9801, ZZ-9918, ZZ-0005, ZZ-0025 ZZ-0026, ZZ-0104, ZZ-0122, ZZ-0123, 2002/001-091 2004/016-813, 2004/006-219 ; Phare Ex Post Evaluation. Phase 1, Multi- Beneficiary Programmes: TAIEX

The purpose of this ex post evaluation is to review the 1999-2001 Phare support to the Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office (TAIEX) as well as Phare allocations in the period 2002-2005. The overall objective of this evaluation is to provide accountability with respect to the use of European Commission funds, and lessons learned for decision making on improvements of pre-accession aid to remaining and future candidate countries. ... This ex post Evaluation Report has been prepared by the MWH Consortium between December 2005 and July 2006,1 and reflects the provision of Phare assistance through the TAIEX multi-beneficiary programmes between 1996 and 2004. The cut-off date of the Report is 1 May 2006. It examines the performance of TAIEX in addressing the programme objectives and intended results, provides a general assessment of the programme and draws conclusions and highlights lessons learned from nine years of TAIEX assistance. The evaluation is based on an analysis of documents produced at the start, during and on completion of the TAIEX programmes, on interviews with EC Services, the TAIEX team, beneficiaries of TAIEX activities a sample of new member states, Bulgaria and Romania, and with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorates General within whose areas of competence TAIEX has been working.