The evaluation of Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes: the case of Interreg ALCOTRA

The present work aims at filling the academic gap in the field of evaluations of EU cross-border cooperation programmes. The latter are subject to evaluation procedures, however no study to date has addressed the accuracy of evaluations. Thanks to my six-month internship at Interreg ALCOTRA’s Managing Authority, I undertook a qualitative study of the evaluations carried out on the Programme for the 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 programming periods, to be able to assess their true effectiveness. Considering the existing literature, the approach used with regard to evaluation is not limited solely to the aspect of goal-attainment, but it also incorporates the ability to grasp the added value, as well as the dimension of accountability of decision makers in the strengths and limitations of the programmes. The research results reveal that evaluation methodologies are highly effective in accounting for expected results, yet they still lack the capacity of highlighting the additional elements of learning and accountability that emerge during the collection of data.