Second Phase Evaluation of the INTERREG V-A Hungary–Croatia Cooperation Programme (2014–2020)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, acting as the Managing Authority, and the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds of the Republic of Croatia, acting as the National Authority, commissioned CESCI to carry out the second phase evaluation of the INTERREG V-A Hungary–Croatia Cooperation Programme 2014–2020. In preparing the analysis, CESCI was supported by the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO) from Croatia. The mid-term evaluation of the programme was also previously carried out by CESCI and adopted in 2019.

The present evaluation focused on the following thematic areas:

• programme progress and management;
• consideration of territorial needs and outreach to target groups;
• communication of the programme and projects;
• composition of partnerships and sustainability of projects;
• territorial distribution of interventions;
• mainstreaming of the cross-border dimension;
• cost-efficiency;
• effectiveness of specific instruments/practices (B Light and strategic projects).

The findings were based not only on programme and project database data but also on interviews and an online survey. The analysis of impact, efficiency, and effectiveness was conducted at both programme and project levels.

The key findings of the evaluation

1. Despite initial uncertainties arising from the use of the new instrument (B Light projects) and unforeseen external factors, the programme was successfully completed.
2. The preparedness and proactive approach of programme bodies ensured smooth implementation.
3. The newly introduced INTERREG+ monitoring system and simplified cost options (SCOs) significantly facilitated programme implementation.
4. The involvement of SMEs through the B Light scheme and the participation of Pannon EGTC in programme design increased local visibility and acceptance of the programme.
5. Although Croatia’s EU integration (Schengen and monetary accession) advanced significantly during the period, linguistic barriers and the limited number of border crossing points on the Croatian–Hungarian border still hinder the revitalisation of cross-border relations.
6. Partnership relations are mostly concentrated in specific border subregions (e.g. Osijek–Pécs and Varaždin–Zalaegerszeg).
7. Programme communication improved compared to previous periods; however, these tasks exceed the capacity of the Joint Secretariat.
8. The programme’s cross-border impact is most evident in cultural activities (joint events and participant numbers).
9. The B Light scheme enabled effective SME involvement (development of new products/services, building mutual trust, and internationalisation) without imposing excessive obligations.
10. Strategic projects focused on themes and challenges relevant to the border region.

As part of the evaluation, CESCI formulated recommendations to ensure that identified shortcomings can be addressed in the future and that good practices can be preserved. The evaluation also incorporated a borderscape perspective, thereby revealing cross-border social and economic dynamics in the Hungarian–Croatian border region.

The programme evaluation was approved by the Monitoring Committee on 10 May 2024.