Thematic evaluation of the EU support to environment and climate change in third countries (2007 - 2013) : Final Report ; Volume 1 – Main Report

The evaluation has three objectives: To assess EU support to environment and climate change in third countries through the Thematic Programme for Environment and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources including Energy (ENRTP)1, and through the geographic instruments. To evaluate EU support to strengthening global environment and climate governance, provided under ENRTP and channelled mainly through international organisations. To assess EU support for mainstreaming environment and climate change issues into EU external aid programmes through the analysis of two key sectors: infrastructure (including energy) and agriculture/rural development. The assessment focuses on outcomes and impacts of the EU actions in environment and climate change, identifies key lessons and best practices, and produces recommendations in order to improve the current and future EU strategies, policies and actions. The evaluation covers the period 2007-2013. The geographical scope includes all third regions and countries under the mandate of the EU Directorate-General for International Co-operation and Development (DG DEVCO)that are covered by the thematic programme ENRTP and by the Development Co-operation Instrument(DCI), European Development Fund(EDF)and European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument(ENPI) geographic instruments. Also,interventions co-financed and managed by the EU Directorate-Generals for Environment (DG ENV), Energy (DG ENER)or Climate Action (DG CLIMA) are included if the funds are provided by DG DEVCO. As such, this assessment replies to the Court of Auditor’s recommendation of carrying out an overall evaluation of the Commission’s devel-opment cooperation environmental assistance (interventions and mainstreaming).