Evaluation of Programmes Implemented in the Period 2014 – 2021
We would like to draw your attention to the Final Report from the evaluation of Programmes implemented in Slovakia in the period 2014–2021.
One of the obligations of the National Coordination Unit within the 2014–2021 implementation cycle is to ensure the independent evaluation of each of the programmes implemented in Slovakia under the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants.
The main goal of the evaluation is to provide an independent and objective assessment of the implementation and results of these programmes, and to assess the extent to which the set programme objectives have been achieved. The evaluation of the programmes implemented in the Slovak Republic under the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms in the programming period 2014–2021 was carried out by independent experts between March and August 2025. It had the character of a summative (ex-post) evaluation, since by the time of the evaluation the project had already been completed both substantively and financially, and the final programme reports were in the process of review and approval. This approach allows the programmes and their contribution to the target groups to be assessed with a certain time lag and based on the available data.
Each programme was evaluated separately, based on two pre-defined evaluation criteria:
- Programme “Cultural Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Cooperation” (CLT) – evaluation criteria: relevance and coherence
- Programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Roma Inclusion” (LDI) – evaluation criteria: relevance and effectiveness
- Programme “Domestic and Gender-based Violence” (DGV) – evaluation criteria: coherence and sustainability
- Programme “Cross-border Cooperation/Good Governance, Accountable Institutions, Transparency” (GGC) – evaluation criteria: relevance and effectiveness
- Programme “Business Development, Innovation and SMEs” (BIN) – evaluation criteria: relevance and coherence
- Programme “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation” (ACC) – evaluation criteria: efficiency and coherence
The evaluation covered each programmes as a whole. In the case of the Programme “Cultural Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Cooperation”, Outcome 1: “Improved Cultural Heritage” was not evaluated, as during implementation it demonstrated high absorption capacity (including the use of additional funds and the creation of a reserve list). There is also positive experience with similar activities from previous programming periods.
For each programme, four key findings were defined, and recommendations were formulated based on them. In general, the independent evaluation confirmed the justification of the programmes and their benefits for the target groups. At the same time, weaknesses in implementation were identified. These insights were translated into recommendations for individual programmes and will, where relevant, be taken into account in the preparation and implementation of thematically related programmes for the 2021–2028 EEA and Norway Grants programming period.
Summary of Findings and Recommendations for Individual Programmes
Recommendations for the Programme “Entrepreneurship in Culture, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Cooperation” (CLT):
- Maintain the main thematic features of the programme in the future. Consider possibilities for increasing the maximum grant amount. Focus attention on reducing the administrative burden on project promoters.
- Develop bilateral and international partnerships. In the scoring system, prioritize applications that involve vulnerable groups.
- Significantly increase the financial allocation for the support of contemporary art. Strengthen support for free and engaged artistic production in Slovakia.
Infographics - Cultural Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Cooperation
Recommendations for the Programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Roma Inclusion” (LDI):
- Strengthen the integrated and multi-sectoral approach in the future. Link community work, educational institutions and local governments. Ensure the participation of target groups in the design of interventions.
- Focus calls on supporting marginalised Roma communities. Assess the focus on the most vulnerable groups in the assessment process of applications.
- Strengthen support for actors with proven expertise. Introduce more flexible funding models. Simplify the administrative burden of project implementation.
- Apply the best practices and innovations in national policies. Support systematic collection of qualitative data.
Infographics - Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Roma Inclusion
Recommendations for the Programme “Domestic and Gender-based Violence” (DGV):
- Maintain synergy between programme areas and their interventions.
- Expand target groups with a need for increased awareness of gender issues.
- Ensure that projects complement activities financed from other funding sources.
- Establish regular communication between different support providers.
- Support multi-institutional cooperation as a mandatory element of projects.
- Strengthen opportunities for cooperation with the Norwegian partner.
- Support initiatives aimed at legislative and systemic changes.
- Contribute to the transposition of the EU Council Directive.
- Maintain the broad focus of calls for proposals.
- Ensure financial, social and institutional capacities.
Infographics - Domestic and Gender-based Violence
Recommendations for the Programme “Cross-border Cooperation/Good Governance, Accountable Institutions, Transparency” (GGC):
- Maintain and further develop the flexibility of programme management.
- Develop bilateral and international partnerships.
- Eliminate programme fragmentation, support fewer thematic areas.
- Reduce the administrative and procedural complexity of the programme.
- Implement targeted information and motivation measures.
- Analyse feedback from applicants (both successful and unsuccessful).
- Strengthen coordination between projects and establish thematic clusters.
- Strengthen the transfer of knowledge and experience between project partners.
- Support digital tools and online forms of cooperation.
- Strengthen capacity building of partner institutions.
Infographics - Cross-border Cooperation / Good Governance, Accountable Institutions, Transparency
Recommendations for the Programme “Business Development, Innovation and SMEs” (BIN):
- Enable more flexible use of two financial mechanisms within a single call. Reduce the administrative burden of programme implementation.
- Separate support for the business sector from the education sector. Maintain the focus on the needs of specific disadvantaged groups.
- Ensure timely launch of programme implementation. Increase the involvement of donor-state partners in the business sector.
- Eliminate duplications with EU-funded operational programmes.
Infographics - Business Development, Innovation and SMEs
Recommendations for the Programme “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation” (ACC):
- Maintain the combined support model (integrated projects).
- Introduce the calculation of unit costs as a mandatory part of project reports.
- Maintain support for ecosystem restoration as a key element of measures.
- Assess if the CO₂ emission reduction targets are realistic and achievable.
- Support horizontal networking among beneficiaries.
- Increase opportunities for follow-up calls for successful projects.
- Maintain and further develop complementarity with other programmes.
- Use project results as input for public policy development.