Evaluation of European Union Aid (Managed by the Commission) to ACP Countries: Synthesis Report [plus response of Commission's services]

Evaluation of EC aid since 1985, considering policy, results and Commission's management performance.

Country visits found a recent improvement in the Commission’s policy dialogue with a number of ACP governments, particularly in indicative programming and sectoral dialogue. However, results vary widely. Aid management continues to be strongly affected by burdensome administrative procedures and problems with technical assistance, while quality support and monitoring are still weak. However, the introduction of Project Cycle Management has led to some improvements in project preparation. Finally, found that in-country donor coordination is still mostly limited to information-sharing.

Argues that need for greater policy/results-orientated direction to the management process

Recommends that to make EC aid programmes more results-oriented requires actions by both the Member States and the Commission. The Member States should help to identify a strategic role for EC aid and provide greater operational flexibility (financial controls, budgets and recruitment). The Commission should reform organisational structures and incentives, equip its staff better, and improve its learning from performance.

WWW site has both the report and the response of the Commission's services.