The Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has contracted t33 to carry out the ex-post evaluation of the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP) 2014–2020, including the 2021–2022 transition period. The assignment is undertaken in accordance with the regulatory framework governing rural development interventions under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), notably Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 and Regulation (EU) 2020/2220.

As Romania’s main instrument for supporting rural development, the NRDP 2014-2022 channels funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) towards investments that enhance agricultural competitiveness, promote sustainable management of natural resources and climate action, strengthen rural economies and foster balanced territorial development. The study aims to assess the extent to which these interventions have contributed to their intended objectives and to generate evidence that can inform future rural development policies.

The assignment examines the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the programme, as well as its contribution to the EU rural development priorities and broader CAP objectives. It also explores complementarities between the NRDP and other national and EU-funded interventions implemented in rural areas, while identifying lessons learned for future programming periods.

Covering the entire territory of Romania and all measures implemented under the programme, the study applies a mixed-method approach combining desk research, beneficiary surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus groups and case studies. The analytical framework integrates intervention logic analysis, quantitative methods - including counterfactual and comparative analyses - and matrix-based triangulation techniques to ensure robust and evidence-based findings.

Running until 2027, the assignment will deliver a comprehensive ex-post evaluation report, calculations of complementary result and impact indicators, dissemination materials and a final conference presenting the findings, conclusions and recommendations to programme stakeholders.

The service is coordinated by Rebeca Nistor.