Evaluation processes > Mid-term evaluation
Mid-term evaluation
The mid-term evaluation (MTE) in 2010 is a key milestone in the ongoing evaluation of Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) for 2007-2013. Being at the mid-point in the programming cycle, the MTE is a significant moment of reflection on the effectiveness and efficiency of how programme resources have been utilised and the results and impacts achieved.
Article 86 of Council Regulation 1698/2005 sets out the main activities of this evaluation exercise and paragraph 6 specifies what the European Commission expects from the mid term evaluation:
"… shall examine the degree of utilisation of resources, the effectiveness and efficiency of the programming of the EAFRD, its socio-economic impact and its impact on the Community priorities. They shall cover the goals of the programme and aim to draw lessons concerning rural development policy … [and] identify the factors which contributed to the success or failure of the programmes’ implementation, including as regards sustainability, and identify best practice".
Although the MTE occurs at the mid-point of the programme period, in reality programmes are at an early stage of implementation. This may create challenges for what can be observed in terms of results and impacts. It is expected that preliminary impacts should be assessed. However, if this is not yet possible, future impacts could be inferred from the analysis of the results obtained so far. Trends should be analysed and described including (where applicable) those flowing through from previous programme periods.
The MTE should also propose measures to improve the quality of RDPs and their implementation with a view to informing possible revisions of the programmes. The MTE has also to prepare for the ex post evaluation and, more generally, future ongoing evaluation activities.
According to the Regulation, the MTEs are organised under the responsibility of the Managing Authorities and must be outsourced to independent evaluators. The MTE reports will be synthesized by the Commission at EU level. (Art. 84 and 86 of Regulation 1698/2005).
In these pages, you will find information about:
Guidelines on the Mid-Term Evaluation of Rural Development Programmes, July 2009