Looking Ahead: Operational Evaluation Supports the Development of the Next Programme Period

The Operational Evaluation of Interreg Central Baltic 2021–2027, conducted by Oxford Research between August 2025 and June 2026, has now been completed. The evaluation provides an independent assessment of the programme’s performance and offers valuable recommendations to support the preparation of the next programme period (2028–2034).

Overall, the evaluation finds that the programme performs well across a broad front, highlighting strong results in environmental cooperation, employment and mobility, SME internationalisation, and high-quality support for applicants. It also recognises the important role of national Contact Points, the project webspace, and the programme’s communication and support structures.

At the same time, the evaluation identifies opportunities for further development, including strengthening capitalisation of project results, reducing administrative burden, improving access for smaller organisations, and ensuring that future programme priorities respond to emerging challenges such as resilience, preparedness, and the needs of border regions.

The findings and recommendations will serve as an important source of evidence and learning as discussions on the future Interreg Central Baltic Programme continue. We would like to sincerely thank all project representatives, Monitoring Committee members, national Contact Points, programme bodies, and other stakeholders who contributed their time, expertise and perspectives to the evaluation process. Their input has been invaluable in helping shape the future of cross-border cooperation in the Central Baltic region.

For a concise overview of the evaluation’s main findings and recommendations, please watch the video below.