Evaluation in action – Assessing the implementation of evaluation plans of the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plans

This summary report provides an overview of progress in implementing the evaluation plans (EPs) of the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs). It is based on evaluation-related information at the time of drafting, submitted by 10 Member States to the European Commission in 2025, covering activities undertaken in 2023-2024 and the first half of 2025. 

EPs are developed by the Managing Authorities and presented to the Monitoring Committees. They set out the evaluation activities to be carried out during CSP implementation and are intended to serve as steering tools for programme management, policy learning and accountability. 

Overall, progress in implementing evaluation activities is broadly consistent with the original EPs. Seven of the ten reporting Member States completed a total of 25 CSP-related evaluations between 2023 and 2025, including result-oriented, impact-oriented and process-oriented evaluations, as well as support studies. Most evaluations follow the indicative timelines foreseen in the EPs, with only limited deviations, mainly linked to delays in CSP implementation.

Governance and coordination structures foreseen in the EPs have generally become operational. Member States with well-established, multi-level coordination arrangements demonstrate systematic evaluation planning, improved access to data, and clear mobilisation of evaluators and experts. Conversely, governance disruptions linked to institutional reforms can delay evaluation readiness and implementation. 

Stakeholder involvement is evident in most reporting Member States, mainly through Monitoring Committees, evaluation working groups, National CAP Networks and thematic or steering groups. Stakeholders contribute to refining evaluation concepts, methodologies and annual action plans and, in some cases, to discussing preliminary findings. However, involvement beyond the Monitoring Committee members is not always evident, and participation of environmental stakeholders and research institutions should be improved.

Progress in data collection and management is mixed. While several Member States reviewed existing data sources, adjusted monitoring systems, and addressed data quality or GDPR-related issues, the systematic identification of data gaps and the actions to address them remain limited. Early attention to data needs is identified as a critical condition for robust mid-term and ex post evaluations.

Given the early stage of CSP implementation, most evaluation findings relate to process and implementation. Where results and impacts are assessed, effects are often mixed, particularly for environmental and biodiversity objectives. Some positive trends are observed, for example, in environmental ambition, uptake of certain interventions, and access to knowledge and skills, while challenges persist in terms of administrative burden, targeting of measures and uneven uptake. 

All reporting Member States disseminate evaluation activities through websites, Monitoring Committee meetings and network events. However, structured follow-up mechanisms for evaluation findings are still underdeveloped. Only a few Member States have established formal systems to track recommendations and their implementation, with the Swedish IT-based follow-up system highlighted as a good practice. 

The report concludes with key lessons learned and recommendations to improve the reporting and implementation of EPs. These emphasise the importance of clear evaluation concepts, strong governance and coordination, early action on data management, systematic stakeholder involvement, tailored dissemination and robust follow-up mechanisms. The annex provides fiches summarising each evaluation reported by Member States, grouped by CAP objectives, offering a practical reference for evaluation stakeholders across the EU.