The EU CAP Network, supported by the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP, organised the thirteenth Good Practice Workshop in Helsinki, Finland, on 2-3 June 2026. The event was hosted by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Finnish National CAP Network. The workshop explored how evaluations are used to improve the current CAP and to inform ex ante assessment processes, with a view to preparing the 2028-2034 CAP.

Background

The use of evaluation results can lead to concrete improvements in policy delivery, strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy, and improve governance and implementation processes. In addition, evaluations of the CAP (current and past, including ex post evaluations) can play a role in a renewed effort to assess the potential impacts of policy choices and help prepare the next CAP.

Member States are faced with a dual challenge. On one hand, they are required to implement, monitor and evaluate their CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) effectively, reporting annually on performance and progress towards achieving the CAP objectives and ensuring sound use of EU funds. On the other hand, in view of ongoing discussions on the post-2027 CAP, they must also engage proactively in preparing for the next programming period by gaining a deep understanding of future policy orientations, aligning evaluation lessons with strategic planning and laying the groundwork for the subsequent CAP cycle. Evaluations can be a useful source of information and evidence for addressing this dual challenge.

Objectives of the workshop

Target audience

The workshop was targeted to Managing Authorities, Paying Agencies, evaluators, National CAP Networks and other evaluation stakeholders in the Member States, as well as EU-level evaluation experts. This workshop was held in English and participants were expected to interact in this language during group work.

Should you have any queries or require further information, please contact the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP under evaluation@eucapnetwork.eu.