The Interreg Euro-MED Programme 2021-2027 is one of the transnational Interreg programmes aimed at strengthening territorial cooperation and sustainable development across the Mediterranean area. It supports environmental protection and climate action, while promoting innovative and sustainable economy and tourism models. The Programme covers 69 regions from 10 EU Member States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia) and 4 IPA candidate/potential candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia).

The purpose of the operational evaluation is to assess the Programme’s implementation and management for the current period and to draw evidence-based lessons that can support the preparation of the post-2027 Programme. Moreover, the evaluation focuses on the Programme’s governance framework, implementation mechanisms and innovative features introduced in the current period.

The evaluation service comprises a set of analytical tasks aimed at assessing:

1. The relevance, consistency and effectiveness of the Programme, with particular attention to its overall architecture and its application.

2. The thematic approach by mission in the implementation of the Programme and projects.

3. Governance and capitalisation within the Programme, including cooperation with other programmes.

4. The simplification measures and implementation tools introduced in the 2021–2027 period.

5. The communication and Results Amplification Strategy of the Programme.

The evaluation applies the EU evaluation criteria of Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, and EU added value.

A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to support the evaluation. This approach combines both measurable outcomes and documentary analysis with stakeholder consultations. Beyond describing implementation, the evaluation examines how the Programme operates in practice and identifies factors that may affect its implementation.

The evaluation is led by t33, in consortium with Spatial Foresight, combining expertise in EU cohesion policy evaluation, transnational cooperation programmes and territorial development analysis.

The service is coordinated by t33 expert Pietro Celotti.