Ref N° 751

Evaluation of EU support to civil society in the Eastern Partnership

Country
Various
Client
EC
Overall project value (EUR)
€ 225 602
Origin of funding
EC
Proportion carried out by legal entity
100%
Consortium members
-
Start date
December 2024
End date
June 2024
Number of staff provided
268 w/d

Detailed description of project Back

This project aims to evaluate the impact, relevance, and effectiveness of the EU’s support to civil society in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries during the period 2019–2024. The evaluation covers three programmatic cycles of the Civil Society Facility (CSF) and seeks to analyze the outcomes of bilateral and regional initiatives implemented to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs).

The main objectives include:

Improving the legal and institutional environment for CSOs.
Promoting the role of CSOs in political dialogue and democratic reforms.
Strengthening the capacities of CSOs, with a focus on local and rural organizations.

Targeted CSOs are encouraged to enhance their resilience in the face of complex challenges, such as the war in Ukraine, increasing restrictions in Belarus, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The evaluation is based on rigorous methodologies to determine the impact of implemented actions and to formulate recommendations aimed at improving future support programs.

Type of services provided

Evaluation Design and Methodology

Development of a theory of change and an evaluation matrix incorporating OECD-DAC criteria (relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact).
Analysis of the specific contexts of the six EaP countries, including political and social dynamics.

Data Collection and Analysis

Document Review: In-depth analysis of reports, indices, and collected data.
Semi-Structured Interviews: Discussions with key stakeholders (CSOs, local authorities, donors).
Focus Groups: Collaborative sessions with civil society representatives.
Questionnaire Surveys: Data collection from initiative beneficiaries.

Reporting

Preparation of a final report detailing results, strategic recommendations, and lessons learned.
Creation of visual materials, such as infographics and accessible executive summaries.

Communication and Dissemination

Organization of hybrid workshops to share results with stakeholders.
Preparation and facilitation of debriefing seminars in Brussels and the relevant countries.

Coordination and Activity Management

Supervision of field missions (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova).
Collaboration with local CSOs and experts in data collection and analysis.

Key Personnel Provided:

Team Leader / Evaluator: 66 working days
Good Governance Expert / Evaluator: 38 working days
Civil Society Expert / Evaluator: 39 working days
Data Collection and Analysis Expert: 20 working days
Local Experts: 105 working days