Ex post evaluation of Cohesion Policy programmes 2014-2020 financed by the ERDF : Work Package 13: Integrated territorial development

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Ferry, Martin and Kah, Stefan and Georgieva, Neli and Dabrowski, Marcin and Makarevičienė, Alina and Bachtrögler-Unger, Julia and de Bruijn, Martijn and Nowotny, Klaus (2025) Ex post evaluation of Cohesion Policy programmes 2014-2020 financed by the ERDF : Work Package 13: Integrated territorial development. European Policies Research Centre, Luxembourg.

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Abstract

This study evaluates the implementation of Territorial Delivery Mechanisms (TDMs) introduced under the 2014-20 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) to strengthen place-based regional development. TDMs aimed to improve the responsiveness of Cohesion Policy investments to local needs through integrated strategies and territorial governance. Five types were examined: Sustainable Urban Development (delivered through ITIs, Priority Axes, or dedicated programmes), Community-led Local Development (CLLD), and non-SUD ITIs, which were applied unevenly across Member States. Using three causality pathways, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach combining data analysis, surveys, case studies, and focus groups. Findings show that TDMs supported strategic planning, local engagement, and cross-sectoral coordination, but faced challenges related to administrative capacity, regulatory complexity, and their novelty. Despite early implementation delays, TDMs contributed to decentralisation, strategic coherence, and greater local ownership in some contexts. The study concludes that increased flexibility, capacity building, and stronger evidence are needed to maximise their long-term impact.

ORCID iDs

Ferry, Martin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4612-9067, Kah, Stefan ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8777-621X, Georgieva, Neli ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5050-830X, Dabrowski, Marcin, Makarevičienė, Alina, Bachtrögler-Unger, Julia, de Bruijn, Martijn and Nowotny, Klaus;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)