The Performance Framework in Cohesion Policy: Expectations and Reality

An increased performance orientation has been a cornerstone of the 2014-20 programmes. For ESI Funds, a key element of the shift towards a stronger performance orientation is the application of a Performance Framework (PF) which involves the establishment of clear, measurable milestones and targets to ensure progress in implementation. In the case of OPs under the investment for growth and jobs goal, the PF is linked to a Performance Review, carried out by DG REGIO in 2019. If the Performance Review shows the milestones set in the PF have been met, a Performance Reserve is made available for use by the Managing Authorities (MAs), which is 6 percent of OP funding. For the PF, MAs can set targets in the form of indicators or, so-called, key implementation steps. Indicators can be financial indicators or output indicators, and these can be either common indicators suggested by the European Commission (EC) or programme-specific (result indicators are only used for the ESF). Key implementation steps can also be used in cases where no outputs are expected by 2018.