Mid-term evaluation of three programmes within the EU’s ‘Fundamental Rights and Justice’ programme
September 2010 - January 2011
Under the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union seeks to create a more democratic and transparent Europe and a Europe of rights and values, freedom, solidarity and security. As part of this, the EU seeks to provide citizens with a stronger voice and to promote awareness and respect for human rights as outlined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. In line with this mandate, Directorate General Justice and fundamental rights, through its funding programme Fundamental Rights and Justice, supports civil society in the promotion of European Union citizenship and respect for fundamental rights.
GHK Consulting was commissioned by the DG Justice to conduct mid-term evaluations of three ongoing funding programmes relating to fundamental rights and justice: Daphne III (a programme that seeks to support the prevention of violence against women, children, and young people), Fundamental Rights and Citizenship and the Drugs Prevention and Information Programme. The overall aim of the evaluation was to analyse the programmes’ implementation 2007-2010 with a view to informing the remainder of the programme and its continued development up to 2013.
The evaluation involved a review of funded projects and their relevance and sustainability, an analysis of the management of programme and effectiveness of project monitoring and administration, and a comparison with related EU programmes in order to assess synergies and potential overlaps between them. An assessment was made as to the effectiveness, sustainability, appropriateness and EU added value of the programme.
GHK Consulting used various methods, including online surveys with grant recipients, case studies with end-beneficiaries and project managers and interviews with the Commission.
The evaluations were conducted independently and distinct conclusions drawn for each. For example, it was found that the Daphne III programme is a highly-valued and useful programme, which has made a notable impact on target groups and on policy. However, as the programme has evolved it has expanded in scope and size, the programme risks shifting away from its original focus. The study was concluded with a number of recommendations as to how to prevent this lack of focus and also how to improve the efficiency of the programme.