On 12 March, the EC published its Final Report on Thematic global evaluation of the Commission support to decentralisation processes. An evaluation was made to identify key relevant lessons and to provide recommendations to help ensure opportune and timely support to decentralisation processes. The evaluation looked at 77 countries that benefited from aid delivery in support of decentralization processes between 2000 and 2009.
The evaluation team finds the provided support by the EC to decentralization processes highly relevant. However the evaluation draws a mixed picture in terms of reaching the set objectives of the EC support, mainly contributing to improved local governance (democratic and accountable administration structures increased citizen participation) and to contribute to more effective and efficient local service delivery.
One of the recommendations of the evaluation is that the EC establishes a unit dedicated to local governments and issues. The evaluation also encourages the setting up of training sessions on decentralization and local governance for the EU delegations and EC headquarters. The evaluation is important for local and regional governments given that currently the instruments for European external action are being negotiated for 2014 to 2020. For the complete report, click here.