Learning Portal

National CAP Networks contributing to monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities

This learning portal shows how National CAP Networks can support CAP Strategic Plan monitoring and evaluation through dialogue, data support, capacity building and accessible dissemination, offering inspirational approaches adaptable to different Member State contexts.

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In a nutshell

Understanding the role of NNs in CSP M&E

In each Member State (MS), the Managing Authority (MA) is responsible for carrying out CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities. Monitoring relies heavily on administrative and operational data (often managed by the Paying Agency), while the Monitoring Committee provides oversight and reviews progress and performance.

Within one year after the adoption of the CSP, the MA prepares an evaluation plan (EP). This sets out what will be evaluated, when and how, and it can also clarify how the National CAP Network (NN) will support M&E (for example, through stakeholder involvement, capacity building and communication).

NNs are not responsible for performing the M&E of CSPs themselves. However, in line with their above mentioned objectives, the CSP Managing Authority may assign them various supporting tasks related to these processes. Their added value is usually to make these processes more inclusive and actionable, for example, by: providing a platform for dialogue between MAs, Monitoring Committees, LAGs, evaluators, and other actors; supporting data collection on themes such as AKIS or LEADER; raising awareness and building capacity on M&E methods; and disseminating evaluation findings in accessible ways. By acting as facilitators, knowledge brokers, and capacity builders, NNs can strengthen the quality, inclusiveness, and credibility of CSP M&E systems.

NNs contributing to CSP monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities

This roadmap is organised around three areas where NNs can support CSP monitoring and evaluation: (1) monitoring activities, (2) evaluation activities, and (3) M&E capacity building. The following sections of this roadmap explore these areas in more detail, providing examples and tools from different Member States.

This roadmap is inspirational, not prescriptive. Member States have diverse governance systems and institutional arrangements, which means the contribution of NNs will vary according to national contexts. Rather than prescribing a single model, the roadmap highlights opportunities and showcases practices to inspire networks in shaping approaches that best fit their systems.

Supporting CSP monitoring activities

What are CSP monitoring activities?

Monitoring is the continuous collection, organisation, and analysis of data to track the implementation and performance of CSPs. It focuses mainly on delivery and performance (in particular output and result indicators) and provides key evidence base for evaluation.

According to Recital 113 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, the responsibility for monitoring the CSP is shared between the Managing Authority and the Monitoring Committee (MC), with the MC specifically responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of CSP implementation. This provides a clear institutional framework for monitoring tasks.

Article 124(3) of the same regulation defines the MC’s tasks, which can serve as a basis for describing monitoring activities in practice. These include:

Monitoring progress in CSP implementation and in achieving milestones and targets (hence, the setting and tracking of milestones and targets is part of the monitoring system).
Addressing CSP performance issues, including those linked to simplification and the reduction of administrative burden for beneficiaries (documenting problems encountered and measures taken is a monitoring activity).
Monitoring progress in carrying out evaluations, syntheses of evaluations, and follow-up to findings (the monitoring of the EP implementation can be considered part of CSP monitoring).
Analysing information supplied by the NN, particularly regarding CSP performance (monitoring of NN contributions).
Implementation of communication and visibility actions (monitoring the communication strategy).

In addition, Article 130 requires Member States to establish a secure electronic information system for monitoring and evaluation purposes, while Article 131 requires beneficiaries (and Local Action Groups) to provide information to the MA or other delegated bodies. In practice, this responsibility is very often assigned to Paying Agencies (PAs), which develop and operate the IT systems, collect information directly from beneficiaries, and ensure data quality and interoperability with other reporting systems.

Finally, monitoring also includes quality assurance of collected data and regular reporting through annual performance reports (APRs).

How can NNs contribute to CSP monitoring activities?

While the Managing Authority and MC are responsible for CSP monitoring, NNs can, where tasks are assigned or agreed with the Managing Authority, provide targeted support that improves stakeholder involvement and the practical use of monitoring information. This support should facilitate, complement and enhance existing monitoring arrangements rather than duplicate them.

Possible ways NNs can contribute include:

Participation in Monitoring Committees: acting as members of the MC or sub-groups, providing inputs on performance, sharing stakeholder perspectives, and contributing information relevant to CSP monitoring.
Organising and facilitating meetings: preparing or hosting thematic sessions, workshops, or consultations that feed into monitoring discussions (e.g. on LEADER, AKIS, or communication strategies).
Communicating monitoring results: translating technical outputs (such as APRs) into accessible messages for different target groups, thereby supporting transparency and accountability.
Collecting and sharing data: helping to gather qualitative and quantitative information from stakeholders such as LAGs, EIP Operational Groups, or farmer networks, especially where such data complements formal reporting.
Providing feedback loops: acting as intermediaries by gathering stakeholder feedback on implementation challenges and communicating it back to the MA and MC.
Monitoring NN’s own activities: supplying relevant information on communication, visibility, and networking actions, as explicitly required in Article 124(3).

The way NNs contribute to monitoring varies across Member States, depending on institutional setups, the agreed work programmes, data flows, and traditions of stakeholder engagement. To illustrate these possibilities in practice, the following sub-sections will present examples and tools developed by NNs to support Monitoring Committees, gather thematic data, or communicate monitoring results.

Supporting work of the Monitoring Committee

The Monitoring Committee (MC) plays a central role in overseeing the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans. It is responsible for reviewing progress towards milestones and targets, monitoring performance, and ensuring the CSP's overall effectiveness. While the Managing Authority (MA) leads and coordinates the MC, depending on national arrangements, the NNs can support the MC by improving preparation, participation and communication.

Participation in the MC or its sub-groups – bringing in expertise, facilitating dialogue, and representing stakeholder perspectives.
Assisting the MA in the work of the MC – supporting the organisation of meetings, preparing documentation, or helping to communicate monitoring results.

Where NNs take on a support role, it is useful to agree in advance what information will be shared, in what format, and how decisions and action points will be followed up. This avoids misunderstandings and reduces repetition.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Participating in the joint Monitoring Committee meetings as an observer and contributor to Managing Authority updates (Estonia): Estonia / Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network)

Network set-up: hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK).

The Estonian Rural Network (National CAP Network) attends meetings of the joint MC for Estonia’s 2023-2027 CSP. The National Network participates as an observer and contributes, where relevant, to the Managing Authority’s presentation materials, for example by providing inputs on communication activities delivered under the CSP. By taking part in Monitoring Committee meetings, the National Network supports information flow between the Managing Authority and the wider stakeholder community represented in the MC. It also helps ensure that communication-related aspects of CSP implementation are appropriately reflected in MC discussions and updates. Participation in these meetings gives the NN a clearer view of the MC’s priorities and information needs, including how members use monitoring updates in their oversight role (i.e. reviewing implementation progress). This understanding can then inform the National Network’s wider communication and capacity-building work linked to CSP implementation.

Target groups: CSP MC members; Managing Authority; national, regional and local public administrations; researchers/academia; stakeholder organisations/associations (including farmer organisations, sector bodies).

Forms of collaboration: participation in governance body (CSP MC); regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN acts as an observer and communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It attends CSP MC meetings, provides communication-related inputs to the Managing Authority’s presentation materials, and disseminates relevant updates to its stakeholder contacts. It supports information flow by synthesising key communication points from MC discussions for use in the NN’s wider CSP communication work.

Link: https://www.agri.ee/eesti-maaelu-arengukava-2014-2020-ja-euroopa-liidu-uhise-pollumajanduspoliitika-eesti#komisjoni-koosseis

Contact: Anu Kalju, Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Agricultural Policy Department anu.kalju@agri.ee
Participating in the CSP Evaluation Working Group (Poland): Poland / Polish Rural Network (KSOW+)

The Polish Rural Network (KSOW+) participates in the national working group on evaluation of the 2023-2027 CSP. The working group was established by the Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development as an advisory and consultative body to the Managing Authority. Its work covers core evaluation governance and planning tasks. These include proposing and reviewing updates to the evaluation plan, proposing evaluation topics, reviewing annual evaluation plans and cooperating in the implementation of evaluation studies. As part of this cooperation, the evaluation working group supports the assessment of partial and final reports, as well as the review of recommendations. It also follows up on the implementation of evaluation findings and contributes to evaluation capacity building by disseminating research results and developing evaluation knowledge. The NN is represented through its central unit, with the representative appointed by the director of the agricultural advisory centre in Brwinów. Within the evaluation working group, the NNN focuses on the dissemination of evaluation results, facilitating knowledge exchange, and strengthening links between evaluation processes and a wider range of CAP stakeholders.

Target groups: working group members, beneficiaries, CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: participation in technical or coordination working groups (Managing Authority); validation or review loop for outputs (evaluators); regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It participates in the CSP evaluation working group, disseminates evaluation results and research findings, and convenes knowledge exchange with a wider range of CAP stakeholders, in coordination with the Managing Authority and evaluators. It supports the working group by synthesising stakeholder feedback on evaluation outputs and recommendations.

Link: https://www.gov.pl/web/rolnictwo/ewaluacja4

Contact: Agata Markuszewska, Zespół Krajowej Sieci Obszarów Wiejskich (KSOW+) – a.markuszewska@cdr.gov.pl. Website: https://www.ksowplus.pl.
Participating in the multi-fund CLLD Subcommittee Working Group (Poland): Poland / Polish Rural Network (KSOW+)

The Polish Rural Network (KSOW+) participates in a working group on monitoring and reporting under the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) subcommittee. The subcommittee is managed by the Polish Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy and focuses on multi-fund CLLD, covering local development strategies (LDS) implemented under the 2023-2027 CSP, ESF+ and ERDF. The working group examines practical issues linked to monitoring and reporting for multi-fund LDS. It develops recommendations and supports the development of common monitoring and reporting rules at regional and national level. Within this setting, the NN has shared practical LEADER/CLLD tools, including a LAG database and an interactive LAG map available on the KSOW+ portal. The working group has also developed a template for reporting on LDS implementation across the CSP, ESF+ and ERDF funds, supporting more consistent and comparable reporting. The NN contributes by providing practical tools and by supporting the joint development of common templates and rules for monitoring and reporting.

Target groups: working group members; LAGs.

Forms of collaboration: participation in technical or coordination working groups (public administrations); structured reporting using templates or standardised formats (LAGs).

NN role: The NN contributes by providing practical tools and technical input. It shares LEADER/CLLD resources, including the LAG database and interactive map, supports discussions on common monitoring and reporting approaches, and contributes to the development and dissemination of reporting templates and guidance for multi-fund local development strategies in coordination with the responsible public administrations.

Link:

https://www.funduszeeuropejskie.gov.pl/strony/o-funduszach/fundusze-2021-2027/umowa-partnerstwa/komitet-ds-up/podkomitety/rlks/grupy-robocze/;

https://www.ksowplus.pl/baza-danych/baza-lokalnych-grup-dzialania;

https://lgd.ksowplus.pl/#6.75/51.997/19.006.

Contact: Agata Markuszewska, Zespół Krajowej Sieci Obszarów Wiejskich (KSOW+) – a.markuszewska@cdr.gov.pl. Website: https://www.ksowplus.pl.
Supporting Monitoring Committee meetings with organisational support and monitoring visuals (Ireland): Ireland / CAP Network Ireland

CAP Network Ireland (National CAP Network) assists the Managing Authority in organising and delivering meetings of the Monitoring Committee for Ireland’s 2023-2027 CSP. This includes contributing to agenda preparation and supporting associated field visits that show CSP implementation on the ground. During meetings and related activities, the NN also facilitates engagement between MC members and wider stakeholders. To support discussion of CSP delivery and performance, the NN prepares clear and accessible infographics on key outputs and progress. These visuals cover high-level indicators such as expenditure across interventions, numbers of participating farmers, land area covered by schemes, and other headline monitoring information. The National Network also presents its own work to MC members, describing how it supports knowledge exchange, innovation and evaluation across the CSP. In addition, it maintains an information stand at meetings to share relevant publications, evaluation outputs and communication materials. This supports transparency and shared learning among MC participants.

Target groups: CSP Monitoring Committee members; Managing Authority.

Forms of collaboration: regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority) to support agenda-setting and delivery of Monitoring Committee meetings, including associated field visits; joint facilitation or co-delivery of content (Managing Authority) by facilitating engagement and providing accessible monitoring visuals for discussion.

NN role: The NN supports as a coordinator/organiser and communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It coordinates meeting logistics and agenda inputs, prepares monitoring infographics, and disseminates relevant publications and evaluation outputs, in coordination with the Managing Authority. It facilitates engagement between MC members and wider stakeholders during meetings and related field visits.

Link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/cap-evaluation/#monitoring-committee-meeting-information

Contact: James Claffey, CAP Network Ireland – james@irishrurallink.ie. Website: https://capnetworkireland.eu/.

Collection of CSP monitoring data

Most monitoring data used for APRs and for tracking output and result indicator reporting comes from administrative and operational systems led by the MA and PA.

NNs can add value where monitoring also requires information that is decentralised, thematic, or dispersed across stakeholder groups (for example, monitoring elements linked to AKIS or LEADER; or information held at local level by LAGs).

In these situations, the NN’s contribution could consist of facilitating data flows, supporting consistent reporting practices, and helping to make monitoring information usable for governance and learning (without taking on formal responsibilities of the MA or PA).

To support this role, NNs can use simple and practical instruments such as: reporting templates (aligned to what authorities need), guidance notes for data providers, short training sessions for local actors, and structured feedback loops to report recurring data issues (e.g. incomplete fields, timing challenges, interpretation differences). Where possible, NNs can also help translate monitoring requirements into stakeholder-friendly language, thereby reducing misunderstandings and improving data quality.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Annual collection, consolidation and reporting of Common Network Statistics (CNS) (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units: (Innovation and digitalisation (ITE), rural and regional development (VTE), green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian NN collects, consolidates and reports the EU-level Common Network Statistics (CNS) each year. The CNS provide a structured overview of the NN’s annual activities and support EU-level comparability and analysis of networking performance. Preparing the CNS report is a coordination task because it draws together information across the full year, including events, communication activities, project examples, thematic work, networking highlights and other outputs. Data collection follows the guidance, templates and timelines provided by the EU CAP Network. In Hungary, the NN works through its support units for innovation and digitalisation (ITE), rural and regional development (VTE) and green support (ZTE). Each support unit prepares inputs in Hungarian and English and submits them to the NN’s monitoring working group. The working group consolidates these contributions into a single CNS report and submits the final version to the EU CAP Network. Through this process, the NN coordinates structured reporting from multiple bodies and maintains a single consolidated overview of its activities for EU-level reporting.

Target groups: working group members; NN support units.

Forms of collaboration: participation in technical or coordination working group (NN support units); structured reporting using templates or standardised formats (NN support units); consolidation of inputs from multiple bodies (NN support units).

NN role: The NN coordinates as a data collector/consolidator. It collects structured inputs from the NN support units, consolidates contributions into a single CNS report, and validates completeness against EU templates and timelines. It submits the final consolidated report to the EU CAP Network.

Link: https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/publications/common-network-statistics-cns-2024-summary-report_en

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; monitoring working group – monitoring@am.gov.hu; Rózsa Vig, Hungarian National CAP Network – rozsa.vig@am.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Coordinating annual reporting of National Network activities and communication metrics (Portugal): Portugal / Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC)

The Portuguese NN (RNPAC) provides monitoring information to the MA through an annual activity report prepared by its technical support team, integrating contributions from six regional focal points (Centro, Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Alentejo, Algarve, Açores and Madeira).

The report is structured around three operational objectives: (i) supporting networking, (ii) supporting LEADER/CLLD and innovation, and (iii) promoting information and knowledge sharing. It consolidates monitoring data on: network membership (e.g. total members and distribution by stakeholder categories); volumes and types of activities delivered (e.g. meetings, participation in events, consultations, training/capacity-building actions and hours); governance and coordination outputs (e.g. annual activity and communication plans and activity reports, including focal point reports); and communication outputs and reach.

For communication monitoring, the report brings together quantitative metrics from the NN’s communication channels. These include website outputs and reach (articles, page views for the Network and innovation sites, and documents uploaded to the resource centre), newsletters (editions and subscribers reached), social media (posts, reach, reactions and new followers), and audiovisual dissemination (videos uploaded and viewing hours/views). Alongside these figures, the report provides short qualitative descriptions of key initiatives delivered during the year and concludes with general observations and recommendations for future work.

Target groups: Managing Authority; CSP Monitoring Committee members; RNPAC technical support team; regional focal points; CAP stakeholders; General public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: annual reporting from RNPAC to the MA; internal coordination and consolidation across the technical support team and regional focal points; internal review of communication performance using channel analytics and end-of-year review practices.

NN role: The NN coordinates annual reporting and acts as a data provider/collector/consolidator. It collects and consolidates inputs from regional focal points and communication analytics and drafts the annual activity report for the MA. It synthesises quantitative metrics with short qualitative descriptions and supports internal end-of-year reflection.

Link: https://www.rederural.gov.pt/pt/rede-rural-nacional/planos-e-relatorios-de-actividades/relatorios-de-atividade

Contact: Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC) – rederuralnacional@dgadr.pt. Website: https://www.rederural.gov.pt.
Collecting participant feedback through event questionnaires (Romania): Romania / Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR)

Network set-up: network support unit.

The Romanian National Rural Network (National CAP Network), through its network support unit, collects participant feedback on the perceived usefulness of its seminars and workshops. The approach is based on consultation with NN members and focuses on whether event topics and formats respond to stakeholder needs. Feedback is gathered through questionnaires developed by the network support unit and distributed during Network events. Participants complete the questionnaires during or immediately after the event, providing direct input on relevance and usefulness. The results are used for the NN’s internal learning and for adjusting future capacity-building and information activities. This activity supports monitoring of the NN’s own activities by providing a consistent source of participant feedback and by creating a review loop on how events are designed and delivered.

Target groups: evaluators; participants in NN events.

Forms of collaboration: stakeholder consultation for design or improvement; validation or review loop for outputs (evaluators).

NN role: The NN acts as a data collector/consolidator. It drafts event questionnaires, collects participant feedback during seminars and workshops, and consolidates results for internal review. It uses the findings to adjust the design and delivery of its capacity-building and information activities, in consultation with NN members and evaluators.

Link: No specific link provided. RNDR website for general context: http://www.rndr.ro

Contact: Network Support Unit, Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) – rndr@madr.ro. Website: http://www.rndr.ro.
Collecting stakeholder feedback on CSP investments via online surveys (Croatia): Croatia/Croatian National CAP Network

The Croatian NN collects stakeholder feedback to complement monitoring information on implementation of Croatia’s 2023-2027 CSP. In 2025, the NN conducted an online survey on investments in primary agricultural production (CSP Intervention 73.10). The survey provided a structured channel for stakeholders to share experiences and perspectives on how the intervention is being implemented. The feedback can supplement administrative and programme monitoring data by highlighting issues that may require attention. It also supports the timely collection of beneficiary input, particularly where practical experience helps clarify how interventions are working on the ground.

Target groups: beneficiaries; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: online engagement with stakeholders through the NN website; coordination with the MA on survey focus and follow-up use of results.

NN role: The NN acts as a data collector/consolidator. It designs and hosts online surveys, collects stakeholder feedback on CSP implementation and consolidates responses into usable inputs for monitoring and evaluation.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Croatian National CAP Network - nrm@mps.hr. Website: https://nrm.hr/.
Facilitating knowledge exchange on indicator development beyond 2028 (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (innovation and digitalisation (ITE), rural and regional development (VTE), green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian NN plans to organise structured discussion to support preparation for the post-2028 programming period, focusing on the planned set of output and result indicators for 2028-2034. The work considers implications of methodological change, including data availability and administrative burden. The NN plans a two-step approach. First, the organisation of national expert workshops by the NN support units on thematic areas: rural development and generational renewal (VTE), knowledge transfer, innovation and digitalisation (ITE), and green indicators (ZTE). These workshops aimed to draw on preliminary analyses of key challenges linked to the planned indicator set, including data availability, measurability and interpretation. Particular attention is given to newly introduced mandatory environmental result indicators, such as those linked to greenhouse gas emissions avoided or removals, ammonia emission reduction, and soil organic content protection or increase. Second, the systematisation of the outcomes of the national discussions to inform international online peer-learning exchanges. These exchanges allow Member States to compare approaches and identify common challenges, potentially with EU CAP Network involvement subject to interest. The results are intended to feed back into Hungary’s national monitoring and evaluation preparation for the next period and to support its contribution to EU-level discussions.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; researchers/academia.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event or learning activity (Managing Authority; Paying Agency); peer learning and practice exchange (Managing Authority; Paying Agency); facilitation of multi-stakeholder dialogue.

NN role: the NN support units act as coordinator and facilitator throughout the activity, working closely with the monitoring working group. The NN provides the organisational and professional framework for thematic workshops, while the working group ensures the substantive technical input. In this role, the NN supports the involvement of relevant national experts, including the Managing Authority, Paying Agency, evaluators and monitoring, environmental and AKIS experts, as well as external researchers where appropriate.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; innovation and digitalisation support unit (ITE) – ite@aki.gov.hu; green support unit (ZTE) – zteiroda@nak.hu; rural and regional development support unit (VTE) – vteiroda@hoi.hu; monitoring working group – monitoring@am.gov.hu; Adrienn Csikai Kovácsné – adrienn.csikai.kovacsne@am.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Collecting evidence on digitalisation gaps through self-assessment questionnaires (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (innovation and digitalisation (ITE)).

The Hungarian NN, through its innovation and digitalisation support unit (ITE), collects evidence on digitalisation gaps using self-assessment questionnaires linked to investment calls. These questionnaires provide direct feedback on which digitalisation elements are included in supported developments and where shortcomings or further development needs can be identified. Data collection is extended to interventions where ITE has already developed a digitalisation-focused self-assessment questionnaire and integrated it into selection criteria. This covers a range of investment areas, including livestock farm development, processing plants, horticulture (including orchard establishment and medicinal plant cultivation), greenhouse and cold-store developments, start-up and investment support for young farmers, grain cleaning and storage facilities (including dryers and seed plants), and on-farm irrigation and water-use efficiency investments. The next step is to develop a data specification. This defines the baseline data to be collected from applicants, the variables that can be extracted from the questionnaires, and the relevant parts of business plans describing digitalisation components within the investment. In parallel, the National Network initiates a formal data request to the Paying Agency, with data delivery planned for the end of the year. After receipt, the dataset is cleaned and processed, and results and lessons learned are presented in relation to Hungary’s 2023-2027 CSP at the country’s largest digitalisation conference and expo.

Target groups: National, regional and local public administrations; Beneficiaries.

Forms of collaboration: stakeholder consultation for design or improvement; data access or exchange arrangement (Paying Agency).

NN role: The NN contributes by acting as an evidence or tool developer and data collector/consolidator. It develops and integrates digitalisation self-assessment questionnaires for relevant investment calls, defines variables and data requirements for analysis, and requests complementary applicant data from the Paying Agency. It consolidates and cleans the extracted dataset and synthesises findings on digitalisation gaps for reporting on CSP implementation.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Innovation and digitalisation support unit (ITE), Hungarian National CAP Network – kranitz.livia@aki.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Coordinating annual reporting by LAG to support network statistics (Denmark): Denmark / Danish National CAP Network

The Danish NN coordinates annual reporting by LAGs using a standard template. The purpose is to enable the NN and the Managing Authority to consolidate information required for the Common Network Statistics (CNS). The template supports a structured collection of monitoring information on LAG activity delivery, aligned with the categories requested at EU level. The information collection form captures three main elements. First, it records events and other activities organised by the LAG, including the type or purpose, delivery format and geographical scope. These are selected from predefined lists to support aggregation. Second, it collects information on communication products produced by the LAG, grouped into categories with counts. Third, it requests a short example of a project that the LAG considers particularly interesting or good. To support consistent reporting and reduce differences in interpretation across LAGs, the NN provides completion guidance. LAGs submit the completed form by email to the national coordination point by an annual deadline (1 February). The NN then consolidates the inputs for CNS-related reporting and for an internal overview of LAG activities.

Target groups: Managing Authority; LAGs.

Forms of collaboration: structured reporting using templates or standardised formats (LAGs); consolidation of inputs from multiple bodies (LAGs); regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN coordinates as a template/guidance provider and data collector/consolidator. It provides the annual LAG reporting template and completion guidance, coordinates submission against the deadline, and collects completed forms from LAGs. It consolidates inputs for CNS reporting and shares the compiled overview with the Managing Authority.

Link: www.livogland.dk

Contact: Dea Cordt Kragh, Danish Agency for Planning and Rural Development – deacor@plst.dk; Mette Andreasen, Danish Agency for Planning and Rural Development – metand@plst.dk. Website: https://www.livogland.dk.
Coordinating annual standardised self-evaluation of Local Development Strategies by LAGs (Denmark): Denmark / Danish National CAP Network

The Danish NN coordinates a recurring self-evaluation of Local Development Strategies (LDS) by LAGs using a standard template. This runs alongside the annual activity reporting. The purpose is to keep self-evaluation continuous and manageable, and to enable comparison across LAGs over time. It also supports LAG reflection on whether implementation remains aligned with LDS objectives and the local context. The template focuses on a small set of core elements. LAGs report the total number of project applications submitted each year and the distribution of submitted projects across LDS objectives or priorities. They then provide qualitative reflections on that distribution, supported by prompt questions. These cover issues such as difficulties in attracting projects for specific objectives, over-representation of certain project types, or changes in local circumstances. Finally, LAGs give an overall assessment of whether the LDS remains comprehensive and useful, or whether reassessment or adjustment is needed. The process is linked to the annual administrative cycle. Submission is connected to operating payment procedures, with an annual deadline of 1 June. The NN supports the requirement by providing the template and guidance and coordinating collection, enabling year-on-year comparison and LAG-level learning and governance discussion on strategic fit.

Target groups: Managing Authority; national, regional and local public administrations; LAGs.

Forms of collaboration: provision of standard self-evaluation template and guidance; structured reporting using templates or standardised formats (LAGs); regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN supports as a template/guidance provider and data collector/consolidator. It provides the standard LDS self-evaluation template and completion guidance, coordinates annual collection from LAGs, and validates submissions against the reporting requirements, in coordination with the Managing Authority. It consolidates results to support year-on-year comparison across LAGs and shares an aggregated overview for governance discussion.

Link: www.livogland.dk

Contact: Dea Cordt Kragh, Danish Agency for Planning and Rural Development – deacor@plst.dk; Mette Andreasen, Danish Agency for Planning and Rural Development – metand@plst.dk. Website: https://www.livogland.dk.
Developing a harmonised self-assessment and performance reporting template for LAGs (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (rural and regional development (VTE)).

The Hungarian NN, through its rural and territorial development support unit (VTE), plans to develop a harmonised self-assessment and performance reporting template for all 105 LAGs. The initiative is intended to support LEADER implementation in Hungary during the 2023-2027 period and is envisaged to build on a performance-oriented monitoring approach aligned with the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (PMEF). Its objective is to provide a common tool enabling LAGs to report LEADER results in a structured and comparable manner while supporting monitoring and evaluation activities.

The template is expected to draw on existing national guidance already available to LAGs, including the LEADER monitoring manual prepared by the Managing Authority, translated indicator fiches and planning tables. During the preparation of Local Development Strategies (LDSs), LAGs identified their planned contributions to result indicators and submitted these to the Managing Authority, with aggregated values subsequently incorporated into the 2023-2027 CSP through a formal modification. The self-assessment tool is intended to build on this approach by introducing an analysis of planned versus realised values at LAG level. LAGs would be invited to explain deviations between planned and achieved results, describe implementation challenges and reflect on performance. The resulting self-assessments are expected to be consolidated into a national summary covering all 105 LAGs, providing an overview of LEADER implementation progress and performance.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; LAGs; evaluators.

Forms of collaboration: Joint development of tools using MA guidance; joint organisation of training; stakeholder consultation for design or improvement (Managing Authority; Paying Agency); structured reporting using templates or standardised formats (LAGs); consolidation of inputs from multiple bodies (LAGs) at national level.

NN role: The National CAP Network contributes by acting as an evidence or tool developer and data collector/consolidator. It drafts the harmonised LAG self-assessment and performance reporting template, provides guidance on its use, and coordinates the collection of completed self-assessments, in coordination with the Managing Authority and Paying Agency. It consolidates LAG submissions into an aggregated national summary for monitoring and evaluation of LEADER implementation under the CSP.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; rural and regional development support unit (VTE) – vteiroda@hoi.hu; monitoring working group – monitoring@am.gov.hu; Adrienn Csikai Kovácsné – adrienn.csikai.kovacsne@am.gov.hu . Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Supporting evidence collection on LEADER added value for LAGs (Portugal): Portugal / Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC)

The Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC) works with the Managing Authority to collect monitoring and evaluation information on LEADER added value within the 2023-2027 CSP. The activity focuses on assembling evidence on LEADER and, in parallel, strengthening the evaluation capacity of LAGs.

This collaboration positions the National Network in two complementary roles. First, it supports the collection of LEADER-related monitoring and evaluation data for use by the MA and others involved in evaluation work. Second, it contributes to improving LAG capacity to engage with evaluation-related tasks.

Target groups of the activity: MA; LAGs; (implicitly) evaluators using LEADER-related evidence.

Target groups: MA; LAGs; LAG staff involved in monitoring/reporting and LDS evaluation; Evaluators.

Forms of collaboration: collaboration between RNPAC and the MA on collecting, monitoring and evaluation information related to LEADER added value.

NN role: The NN supports evidence collection and acts as a data collector/consolidator. It collects and consolidates monitoring and evaluation information on LEADER added value, in coordination with the MA. It facilitates engagement with Local Action Groups on evaluation-related tasks.

Link: No specific link provided. RNPAC website for general context: https://www.rederural.gov.pt.

Contact: Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC) – rederuralnacional@dgadr.pt. Website: https://www.rederural.gov.pt.
Coordinating annual monitoring and reporting under the AKIS action plan (Portugal): Portugal / Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC)

The Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC) supports monitoring of the Portuguese AKIS Action Plan (AKIS 2030) through a structured monitoring approach and annual reporting. The Action Plan is developed by the technical support team with input from the AKIS monitoring group and regional focal points.

Monitoring covers systematic data collection, storage and classification, interpretation of findings (including identification of gaps), and continuous improvement. An annual monitoring report is produced by the end of the first quarter each year, and a final report is foreseen at the end of the 2023-2027 programming period. Monitoring focuses on the implementation of activities in 2024-2027 and uses key performance indicators (KPIs) linked to activity typologies. Data sources include registration sheets, activity reports, satisfaction surveys and publication/communication analytics.

Indicators cover, for example, themes/problems/needs identified; good practices, initiatives and projects identified and disseminated; knowledge-sharing and training actions and participant numbers; hours of AKIS capacity building and participant satisfaction; innovation events and satisfaction; and trends in platform views. The NN also consolidates monitoring data from consultation access to the national funding platform for selected PMEF result indicators once calls are completed. These include: R.1 (people benefiting from advice, training, knowledge exchange or participation in EIP Operational Groups), R.2 (advisors receiving support to be integrated within AKIS), R.3 (share of farms benefiting from support for digital farming technologies), and R.28 (people benefiting from environment- or climate-related advice, training, knowledge exchange or participation in EIP Operational Groups). It complements this with annual Google Forms surveys for AKIS platform users (by stakeholder type) and for AKIS actors’ knowledge-transfer activities, advisory system data (recognised advisers and training), and information compiled from national and EU sources on innovation and networking.

Target groups: Managing Authority; AKIS monitoring group; innovation working group; advisory services; researchers/academia; Innovation stakeholders (e.g. EIP-AGRI OG); CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: joint planning of activity plans (RNPAC with focal points, innovation working group and AKIS monitoring group); stakeholder-specific data collection via questionnaires/forms; annual reporting to monitoring governance structures.

NN role: The NN coordinates AKIS monitoring and acts as a coordinator/organiser and data collector/consolidator. It collects and consolidates monitoring data from platform analytics, surveys, advisory system sources and administrative datasets, in coordination with the AKIS monitoring group. It drafts annual monitoring reports and a final report covering the 2023-2027 period.

Link: https://akisportugal.pt/; https://www.rederural.gov.pt/images/Plano_de_A%C3%A7%C3%A3o_AKIS__Aprovado.pdf

Contact: Portuguese National CAP Network (RNPAC) – rederuralnacional@dgadr.pt. Website: https://www.rederural.gov.pt ; https://akisportugal.pt.

Communicating CSP monitoring results

Monitoring results are often documented in technical products such as APRs and Monitoring Committee documentation. While these are essential for accountability, they may not be readily accessible to wider audiences. NNs can therefore play a complementary role by translating monitoring outputs into clear, stakeholder-relevant messages, using formats and channels that fit their national context (e.g. short web articles, newsletters, infographics, webinars, or thematic sessions at NN events). When doing so, it is important to keep messages factual and to avoid drawing evaluation conclusions from monitoring data alone.

Monitoring and evaluation are closely linked: monitoring provides the performance information and context that evaluations build on, while evaluation helps interpret monitoring results and explain why changes are (or are not) happening.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Developing citizen summaries of the annual performance reports using visuals (Ireland): Ireland / CAP Network Ireland

CAP Network Ireland (National CAP Network) develops a citizen summary of the APR. The aim is to present information on progress and achievements under Ireland’s 2023-2027 CSP in a format that can be understood by non-specialist audiences. The NN strengthens the citizen summary through infographics, visual data presentation and imagery, so that key monitoring information is easier to follow. The work is carried out jointly with the Managing Authority. The NN leads drafting and the development of visual elements, while drawing on APR monitoring information and agreed messages. The Managing Authority provides input and validates the content for publication. Through this joint production process, the National Network supports communication of CSP monitoring information to beneficiaries, wider CAP stakeholders and the general public.

Target groups: beneficiaries; CAP stakeholders; general public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: joint production process with the Managing Authority, drawing on APR monitoring information and agreed messages. CAP Network Ireland leads drafting and visual development (infographics/visual presentation), while the Managing Authority provides input and validation of content for publication.

NN role: The NN acts as a communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It drafts the citizen summary of the APR, translates monitoring information into clear messages, and develops infographics and other visual elements, in coordination with the Managing Authority. It incorporates Managing Authority inputs and validates the final text and visuals for publication.

Link: No specific link provided. NN website for general context: https://irishrurallink.ie/

Contact: James Claffey, CAP Network Ireland – james@irishrurallink.ie. Website: https://irishrurallink.ie/.
Publishing summaries of the annual performance reports online (Croatia): Croatia / Croatian National CAP Network

The Croatian National CAP Network supports communication of monitoring information from Croatia’s 2023-2027 CSP by contributing to the preparation and publication of a summary of the annual performance report. The summary is published on the NN’s website and provides an accessible overview of key monitoring information. Presenting the main messages in a concise, publicly available format helps make monitoring results easier to consult beyond formal governance settings. The publication also supports wider stakeholder understanding of CSP implementation progress.

Target groups: Managing Authority; CSP Monitoring Committee members; CAP stakeholders; general public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: Coordination with the Managing Authority and bodies responsible for APR drafting, with the NN supporting publication and dissemination.

NN role: The NN acts as a communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It consolidates key monitoring information into a summary of the APR and prepares the content for publication in coordination with the Managing Authority. It publishes the summary on the Network website to support access to monitoring results.

Link: https://nrm.hr/sp-zpp/godisnje-izvjesce-o-uspjesnosti/

Contact: Croatian National CAP Network - nrm@mps.hr. Website: https://nrm.hr/.
Developing a decision-support tool for green interventions within the IACS system (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian NN, through its green support unit (ZTE), plans to contribute to the development of a recommendation system for green interventions within the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), known as ‘Green Compass’. The envisaged tool is intended to provide farmers with personalised recommendations on available green support options, tailored to the characteristics of their land and presented through a map-based interface. Green Compass is expected to draw on information available in IACS and the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). A subsidy-related algorithm is planned to be developed using data from the single application and relevant overlays, with ZTE contributing to the technical design of the recommendation logic. The tool would include an algorithm linking recommended requirements to farm characteristics, an interface displaying recommended requirements together with explanatory information, a map function to support the identification of relevant areas, and a reporting function summarising the recommended requirements and accompanying explanations. As part of this initiative, the National Network plans to contribute to the development of the recommendation logic for relevant calls, including the links between overlays and specifications, the prioritisation of recommendations, and the wording displayed in the user interface. It is also expected to support the testing of the tool from both usability and professional-content perspectives. Once available, information about Green Compass is planned to be disseminated to crop farmers and farming organisations through the National Network’s communication channels.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; potential beneficiaries/non-beneficiaries; advisory services; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: joint development of tool logic and specifications with system owners; user testing and feedback collection; regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Paying Agency); data access or exchange arrangement (Paying Agency); validation or review loop for outputs (Paying Agency); outreach through NN communication channels.

NN role: The NN’s green support unit (ZTE) supports the development and effective use of the Green Compass system. For relevant calls, it provides the recommendation logic and content needed for the tool (including links to specifications and priorities and the wording shown in the user interface). It also tests the tool for usability and technical accuracy and informs crop farmers and farming organisations about its availability through the Network’s usual communication channels.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; green support unit (ZTE) – ZTEIroda@nak.hu; monitoring working group – monitoring@am.gov.hu; Adrienn Csikai Kovácsné – adrienn.csikai.kovacsne@am.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Coordinating public communication and monitoring of communication activities (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (innovation and digitalisation (ITE), rural and regional development (VTE), green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian National CAP Network coordinates public communication and monitors how communication activities are delivered across its support units. Communication is organised through coordinated messages and content tailored to different target groups, using a mix of formats such as events, campaigns, digital tools and interactive elements. Monitoring focuses on how communication tools are applied in practice, the consistency of implementation across support units, and the extent to which activities increase reach and stakeholder involvement. It also considers the balance between central CAP messages (objectives and results) and unit-specific thematic focuses, such as innovation, soil health and rural livelihoods. Coordination and standardisation are carried out by the Agricultural Marketing Centre (AMC). The AMC provides central content, visual guidelines, shared calendars and campaign packages, which the support units (innovation and digitalisation (ITE), green support (ZTE) and rural and regional development (VTE)) adapt for their audiences. Overall public-level CAP communication is overseen by the CAP coordination body under the ministry of agriculture to align communication with wider development policy messaging. Joint events such as the national agriculture and food industry exhibition and fair (OMÉK), KÁN University Days (a three-day agricultural event organised by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences) and the annual general meeting are used as key communication platforms. At these events, CAP messages are presented through integrated stands, interactive elements and professional programmes. They also provide opportunities to observe and reflect on how different formats (for example, demonstrations, tastings, digital tools, games and conferences) support understanding of CAP priorities and engagement with the NN.

Target groups: CAP stakeholders; general public/citizens; NN support units.

Forms of collaboration: Consolidation of inputs from multiple bodies (NN support units); regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (public administrations); communication partnership for public-facing outputs (public administrations); monitoring of communication reach and participation.

NN role: The NN is collaborating with the AMC. The AMC provides central content, visual guidelines, shared calendars and campaign packages, which the Support Units adapt to their target audiences, helping to ensure consistent messaging and reduce duplication. Within the wider national framework overseen by the ministry of agriculture’s CAP coordination nody, the NN also organises joint platforms, events and coordinated actions, and monitors implementation consistency and reach to improve traceability of communication outputs and outcomes.

Link: https://www.amc.hu/; https://omek.amc.hu/; https://www.videktamogato.hu/hir/2025-11-28/meghivo-nemzeti-kap-halozat-2025-evi-kozgyulesere; https://kan.uni-mate.hu/

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.

Supporting CSP evaluation activities

What are CSP evaluation activities?

Evaluation activities support a systematic, evidence-based assessment of how the CSP and its interventions are designed, delivered and performing: what is working, for whom, and why. Their purpose is to support accountability and policy learning, and ultimately to help improve the quality of CSP design and implementation.

Under Article 140 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, Member States carry out evaluations during implementation and ex post. These evaluations examine the CSP against common evaluation criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, Union added value and impact), in relation to its contribution to CAP objectives.

Member States also ensure that evaluations are carried out by functionally independent experts, that the necessary procedures and data arrangements are in place, and that evaluation outputs are made publicly available.

In practice, ‘evaluation activities’ are understood as the set of actions needed to make evaluation feasible and useful, not only producing an evaluation report, but also preparing the conditions for credible evidence and ensuring findings are discussed and followed up.

For communication purposes, it is helpful to describe evaluation as a cycle with five connected stages: planning and coordination; preparing and structuring; conducting; reporting and disseminating; and follow-up.

Diagram of the evaluation cycle — Figure 1: Evaluation cycle

Text version: Activities across these stages may include:

Planning and coordination: defining priorities and timing; preparing and publishing terms of reference (ToR); setting up steering or thematic groups; planning resources, including for capacity building.

Preparing and structuring: refining evaluation questions and factors of success; selecting indicators and evaluation approaches; reviewing data sources, availability and suitability; setting up or improving data arrangements and addressing foreseeable data gaps.

Conducting: collecting and analysing evidence, including from primary sources (e.g. interviews, surveys, focus groups) alongside monitoring and administrative data where relevant.

Reporting and disseminating: drafting and publishing evaluation reports; presenting findings in accessible formats; organising discussions with stakeholders to interpret results and implications.

Follow-up: agreeing on how findings will be used; adjusting intervention logic where needed; improving delivery arrangements; updating evaluation planning.

This cycle is not a rigid sequence. Stages often overlap, and learning from completed evaluations should feed back into refining future evaluation planning and strengthening how the CSP is implemented.

In broader terms, evaluation activities are set out and scheduled through the CSP evaluation plan, which provides indications on the intended evaluation activities during implementation and must meet the minimum requirements in Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1475.

How NNs can contribute to CSP evaluation activities

The Managing Authority remains responsible for ensuring that evaluations are carried out and for meeting legal and reporting obligations.

Within that framework, NNs can contribute in ways that strengthen relevance, feasibility, inclusiveness, and use of evaluation, particularly by facilitating stakeholder involvement, supporting practical arrangements, and improving dissemination and uptake of findings.

Across Member States, NN contributions can fall into four broad roles (often combined):

Facilitator and convenor, bringing together Managing Authorities, Monitoring Committee members, evaluators, experts, LAGs, and thematic stakeholders to clarify expectations and share perspectives.
Knowledge broker, helping circulate methods, examples, and lessons learned in a way that is understandable beyond specialist evaluation units.
Capacity builder, supporting stakeholders to engage meaningfully in evaluation (e.g. understanding evaluation questions, data requirements, and how findings can be used).
Communicator, translating evaluation outputs into accessible formats and ensuring findings reach the audiences who can act on them.

The following subsections describe how these roles can apply at each stage of the evaluation cycle.

Planning and coordination of evaluations

At the planning stage, NNs can help create the conditions for evaluations to be timely, relevant and usable by supporting discussion of evaluation priorities (without replacing the Managing Authority’s role), facilitating thematic or steering groups, and helping align evaluation planning with stakeholder needs and data realities.

This can also include practical preparatory steps such as supporting the preparation and publication of terms of reference (ToR) (for example, by helping clarify the scope, key questions, data expectations and stakeholder engagement arrangements) and helping plan resources for evaluation capacity building, so that the right actors can contribute effectively when evaluations start.

Where NNs participate in governance structures (e.g. Monitoring Committees, sub-groups or evaluation working groups), they can help ensure that evaluation planning remains connected to implementation experience and to stakeholder questions that matter for policy learning.

Networks may also contribute by encouraging early reflection on feasibility, such as what data are available (including administrative data and complementary sources), what methods are proportionate, and what capacity constraints exist (for example, shortages of CAP-trained evaluators in some contexts).

Examples and tools may include participation in evaluation working groups, supporting the organisation of evaluation planning meetings, and producing short ‘evaluation planning notes’ summarising evaluation topics, intended users and potential data sources.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Supporting organisation of evaluation-related coordination meetings with intermediate bodies (Greece): Greece / Greek National CAP Network

Network set-up: operating within the Managing Authority.

The Greek NN, which operates within the Managing Authority, supports the Managing Authority’s institutional and evaluation unit in coordination meetings with intermediate bodies/implementing bodies on evaluation topics linked to the 2023-2027 CSP. Discussions focus on practical evaluation issues and indicator-related aspects, including elements of the PMEF.

When needed, the NN provides practical support to organise the meetings. It also helps facilitate the content by bringing relevant learning and capacity-building materials from the EU CAP Network into the national discussion, for example by summarising key points and sharing them with participants. These exchanges provide a structured opportunity for intermediate bodies to discuss evaluation expectations and performance monitoring requirements for CSP implementation in a more consistent way.

Target groups: Managing Authority.

Forms of collaboration: regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Intermediate bodies/implementing bodies); adaptation and dissemination of external materials (Intermediate bodies/implementing bodies); practical organisation and facilitation of discussions by bringing in relevant EU CAP Network learning and materials.

NN role: The NN supports as a co-coordinator/organiser and facilitator. It coordinates practical arrangements for coordination meetings, facilitates discussions, and synthesises and disseminates relevant EU CAP Network capacity-building materials. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority’s institutional and evaluation unit and intermediate bodies/implementing bodies.

Link: No specific link provided. NN website for general context: https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/ethniko-diktyo-tis-koinis-agrotikis-politikis-ed-kap/

Contact: Planning and networking unit, Greek National CAP Network – capnet@mou.gr. Website: https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/ethniko-diktyo-tis-koinis-agrotikis-politikis-ed-kap/.
Organising Thematic Working Group for monitoring and evaluation as a standing platform for CSP evaluation governance, capacity building and stakeholder engagement (Czechia): Czechia / National CAP Network of the Czech Republic

A thematic working group (TWG) for monitoring and evaluation is set up within the NN of the Czech Republic to support stakeholder involvement in evaluation-related planning for the 2023-2027 CSP. The TWG acts as a standing platform for discussion and exchange on evaluation topics. It also provides a structured way to gather participants’ inputs, which are then considered when designing further evaluation and evaluation capacity-building activities.

The TWG brings together actors involved in CSP evaluation governance and delivery, including the Managing Authority’s evaluation unit, the Czech Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information, the Paying Agency (State Agricultural Intervention Fund), the Ministry of the Environment, non-governmental organisations and other partners, as well as external evaluators. Meetings typically take place twice a year, either in person or online, usually ahead of CSP Monitoring Committee meetings.

Topics include the evaluation plan (updates and implementation), preparation and implementation of evaluation activities, review of evaluation outputs, and follow-up on evaluation recommendations. The TWG also discusses how evaluation results are presented, including supporting documents for Monitoring Committee discussions, and it contributes to the preparation of tender documentation for evaluations.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; intermediate bodies/implementing bodies (including relevant departments and agencies); evaluators.

Forms of collaboration: regular multi-stakeholder meetings (physical/online); structured input gathering and feedback; participation in technical or coordination working group (Managing Authority; Paying Agency; evaluators); joint preparation of materials for Monitoring Committee discussions; stakeholder consultation for design or improvement (public administrations; evaluators).

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and facilitator. It convenes and facilitates the TWG, gathers and consolidates inputs from stakeholders, and synthesises discussion outputs for use in evaluation planning and Monitoring Committee supporting materials. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority’s evaluation unit, the Paying Agency, data providers, evaluators and relevant stakeholder organisations.

Link: https://mze.gov.cz/public/portal/mze/venkov/prioritni-temata-site/tematicke-pracovni-skupiny/monitoring-a-hodnoceni-sp-szp-2023-2027

Contact: Zuzana Dvořáková, National CAP Network of the Czech Republic – zuzana.dvorakova@mze.gov.cz . Website: https://mze.gov.cz/.
Facilitating stakeholder input to CSP evaluation design through evaluation plan presentation (Spain): Spain / Spanish National CAP Network

After Spain’s 2023-2027 CSP evaluation plan was finalised, the Spanish National CAP Network and the Managing Authority held a two-day event (24-25 October 2023) to present the evaluation plan and involve stakeholders. The agenda combined inputs from the European Commission, the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP and the Managing Authority’s evaluation team, alongside ‘benchmark assessment’ presentations from autonomous communities.

The event served two linked purposes. First, it provided a clear overview of the planned evaluation work, including the main activities and indicative timelines, so participants could understand what evaluations were foreseen and how these would be taken forward. Second, it used participatory activities to capture stakeholder views and document them for use in the preparation of evaluation design documents (the technical documents that specify what will be evaluated and how).

By combining presentations with structured engagement, the meeting supported dialogue between national and regional-level actors. It also provided a formal channel for stakeholder organisations, evaluators and working group members to contribute perspectives that could be considered when designing and implementing evaluations under the CSP.

Target groups: CSP Monitoring Committee members; working group members; evaluators; stakeholder organisations/associations (including farmer organisations, sector bodies).

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event (Managing Authority); stakeholder consultation for design or improvement (stakeholder organisations); partner expert contributions (evaluators).

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and facilitator. It co-ordinates the presentation of the CSP evaluation plan, convenes stakeholder organisations and evaluators, and collects and consolidates feedback for use in evaluation design documents. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority and contributing partners, including autonomous communities and EU-level speakers.

Link: https://www.redpac.gob.es/evento/jornadas-presentacion-del-plan-evaluacion-del-plan-estrategico-de-la-pac

Contact: Spanish National CAP Network – redpac@mapa.es. Website: https://www.redpac.gob.es/.
Organising workshops on planning and procurement of regional evaluations (Finland): Finland / Finnish National CAP Network

Finish Rural Network (Finnish National CAP Network) is running a targeted workshop series to support the planning and procurement of regional evaluations at the mid-point of the 2023-2027 CAP funding period. The activity responds to the start of planning and procurement processes by ELY Centres (regional state administration) for evaluations of EU agricultural and rural funding.

To strengthen readiness and support a more consistent approach across regions, the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the National CAP Network jointly organised a series of three workshops delivered online via Microsoft Teams. The workshops focus on the practical steps required to commission regional evaluations, including how to structure the process and clarify what needs to be procured. They provide a shared space for national and regional public administrations to exchange experience and discuss common challenges linked to evaluation planning.

By combining coordination with peer learning, the series supports regional actors to approach evaluation planning and procurement in a more informed and structured way. It also helps align expectations between the ministry and ELY Centres on how regional evaluations will be prepared and commissioned during the funding period.

Target groups: Managing Authority; national, regional and local public administrations.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event (public administrations); peer learning and practice exchange (public administrations); regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (public administrations).

NN role: The NN supports as a coordinator/organiser and facilitator. It coordinates the preparation and delivery of the workshop series, convenes national and regional public administrations, and synthesises practical inputs on commissioning regional evaluations. It does so in coordination with the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the ELY Centres.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Salla Pätilä, Finnish National CAP Network – salla.patila@maaseutu.fi. Website: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/.

Preparing and structuring evaluations

This stage translates evaluation intentions into an operational evaluation design. It involves agreeing (and, where needed, refining) the evaluation questions (EQ) and key elements to be assessed, clarifying what ‘success’ would look like (including relevant factors of success (FoS)), selecting appropriate indicators, confirming data sources, and choosing evaluation methods that are proportionate to the questions and available evidence. A key part of this work is also to identify and discuss possible data gaps: what information is missing, what can realistically be filled, and what this means for the scope, timing or methods of the evaluation.

NNs can add value by helping stakeholders engage with these building blocks in a practical way, especially when the evaluation design relies on input from actors who are not evaluation specialists (for example, Monitoring Committee members, thematic stakeholders or Local Action Groups).

NNs support at this stage could help identify and organise relevant data sources.

In many cases, the main quantitative monitoring information comes from Paying Agency information systems. However, evaluations often also need complementary evidence to explain what the numbers mean, such as qualitative information (interviews, surveys, focus groups or case studies) and contextual sources.

Networks can help map and organise these potential sources, clarify who holds which data, and anticipate access or quality issues early, thereby helping the Managing Authority and evaluators to timely address data gaps.

The following example illustrates these NN contributions:

Organising meetings linked to planned CSP evaluations (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (innovation and digitalisation (ITE), rural and regional development (VTE), green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian NN plans to support the organisation of meetings of the evaluation project steering committee for evaluations foreseen under the 2023-2027 CSP. These meetings are intended to provide a structured forum for experts and institutions to exchange experience, discuss evaluation needs and contribute to the refinement of key elements of the evaluation approach for specific topics. Planned discussions may cover evaluation questions, success factors, indicators, data requirements and methodological considerations. In line with their respective mandates, the NN’s support units are expected to convene relevant thematic workshops, such as those involving the green support unit in relation to Specific Objective 5 and the innovation and digitalisation support unit in relation to the Cross-Cutting Objective (CCO).

Inception-stage workshops planned for 2026 are expected to facilitate early agreement on the main elements of the evaluation approach.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; evaluators; CAP stakeholders; network support units; evaluation steering committee.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event or learning activity (Managing Authority); partner expert contributions (evaluators; researchers/academia); facilitation of multi-stakeholder technical dialogue; structured interaction with the evaluation steering committee.

NN role: The NN takes part in organising meetings. It convenes workshops, facilitates structured technical dialogue on evaluation questions, indicators and data needs, and synthesises inputs on key elements of the evaluation approach. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority, the evaluation steering committee and contributing experts, including evaluators and researchers.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; innovation and digitalisation support unit (ITE) – ite@aki.gov.hu; green support unit (ZTE) – zteiroda@nak.hu; rural and regional development support unit (VTE) – vteiroda@hoi.hu; monitoring and evaluation working group – monitoring@am.gov.hu; Adrienn Csikai Kovácsné – adrienn.csikai.kovacsne@am.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.

Conducting evaluations

NNs do not replace independent evaluators or Managing Authority responsibilities. However, they can provide targeted support to improve the implementation of the evaluation design. Such contributions may include facilitating access to stakeholders for interviews or focus groups, supporting communication around survey launches (where appropriate and ethically sound), and providing contextual understanding of stakeholder landscapes (e.g. which groups are involved in AKIS, how LEADER actors are organised).

Where NNs help connect evaluators with stakeholder groups, it is good practice to maintain transparency on roles and confidentiality: the evaluator remains responsible for data collection protocols and analysis, while the NN can act as a neutral connector and organiser. This helps protect independence and credibility while enabling richer evidence collection.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Supporting primary data collection for CSP evaluations (interviews, focus groups and surveys) (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (innovation and digitalisation (ITE), rural and regional development (VTE), green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian NN plans to support evaluations of the 2023-2027 CSP by contributing to primary data collection activities, recognising the importance of qualitative evidence for robust evaluation despite the resources required to generate it. This support is expected to cover the use and/or facilitation of methods such as structured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups and questionnaire-based surveys (online or face-to-face), complementing administrative and monitoring data sources.

The planned contribution extends beyond fieldwork logistics and is intended to facilitate the collection of insights on the experiences, perspectives and motivations of beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholder groups. Such evidence is expected to support the interpretation of evaluation findings and contribute to a better understanding of implementation realities. The NN support units may contribute across a range of thematic areas, including rural development and environmental topics such as sustainable resource use and climate action. Through engagement with beneficiaries and target groups, the activity is intended to help identify implementation challenges and provide context for evaluation results.

The evidence collected is expected to support qualitative analysis by strengthening evaluators’ understanding of observed results and implementation processes. It may also help identify delivery challenges and inform reflection by policymakers and programme managers, where relevant. To facilitate these activities, the NN plans to cooperate with external service providers involved in evaluation work and coordinate stakeholder engagement through partner organisations and communication channels, in collaboration with the Managing Authority.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; evaluators; researchers/academia.

Forms of collaboration: collaboration with external service providers (evaluators); coordinated data collection through partner channels; facilitation of stakeholder engagement (beneficiaries/target groups); joint processing and interpretation of qualitative evidence; regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN serves as a data collector and facilitator. It coordinates access to beneficiaries and target groups, supports interviews, focus groups and surveys, and consolidates and shares qualitative evidence with evaluators. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority and external service providers involved in evaluation tasks.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; innovation and digitalisation support unit (ITE) – ite@aki.gov.hu; green support unit (ZTE) – zteiroda@nak.hu; rural and regional development support unit (VTE) – vteiroda@hoi.hu; monitoring and evaluation working group – monitoring@am.gov.hu; Adrienn Csikai Kovácsné – adrienn.csikai.kovacsne@am.gov.hu; evaluation unit – evaluation@am.gov.hu; Rózsa Vig – rozsa.vig@am.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Collecting primary data to assess green infrastructure and interventions (Hungary): Hungary / Hungarian National CAP Network

Network set-up: support units (green support (ZTE)).

The Hungarian NN’s green support unit (ZTE) supports primary data collection activities required for assessments linked to Hungary’s 2023-2027 CSP green architecture, which includes multiple layers of environmental requirements and voluntary interventions. The activity contributes to evaluation evidence by providing qualitative insights on how green interventions are implemented, how they are understood by stakeholders, and which factors influence participation and delivery.

ZTE contributes to focus group discussions used in relevant studies. This can include providing subject-matter expertise during discussions and supporting the design of the focus group approach, for example by suggesting participant profiles and key issues to explore.

The unit also supports targeted information collection on calls showing interest from potential beneficiaries. Where low uptake is observed, ZTE can help organise and implement short questionnaires to better understand reasons for limited participation, providing structured feedback that can be considered in assessment and policy reflection. The final users of this evidence are policymakers, who can use the findings as decision-support information when reviewing implementation challenges, participation patterns or potential adjustments.

Hungary's CSP pays particular attention to environmental sustainability. A complex approach to the system of regulations related to the support system is applied, which serves to improve the state of the environment and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, thereby providing producers with reasonable incentives to renew their farming practices.

The CSP green structure consists of five levels:

Level 1: Expansion of the concept of the eligible area (agro-ecological area) (Pillars I-II).

Level 2: Mandatory basic environmental conditions (conditionality) (Pillars I-II).

Level 3: Voluntary agro-ecological program (Pillar I).

Level 4: Voluntary interventions to support advanced agro-ecological conversion (e.g. agri-environment-climate measures (AECM), eco, Natura 2000, non-productive investments, forest environmental protection and forestry potential forestry measures) (Pillar II).

Level 5: Other interventions with environmental, climate protection and adaptation effects (e.g. gene conservation, animal welfare measures, forestry measures, green investments in agricultural holdings) (Pillar II).

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; researchers/academia; beneficiaries.

Forms of collaboration: collaboration with external service providers (evaluators); Coordinated data collection through partner channels; targeted beneficiary feedback collection (questionnaires); technical input from the green support unit into qualitative evidence building; regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN contributes by acting as a data collector/consolidator and facilitator. It provides subject-matter inputs to focus groups, supports the design of qualitative data collection, and collects and consolidates feedback on low-uptake green interventions through targeted questionnaires. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority, relevant service providers and beneficiary channels.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Hungarian National CAP Network – kap.halozat@nak.hu; green support unit (ZTE) – ZTEIroda@nak.hu; monitoring and evaluation working group monitoring@am.gov.hu; Adrienn Csikai Kovácsné – adrienn.csikai.kovacsne@am.gov.hu; evaluation unit – evaluation@am.gov.hu; Rózsa Vig – rozsa.vig@am.gov.hu. Website: https://videktamogato.hu/.
Supporting dissemination of questionnaires to beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries (Romania): Romania / Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR)

Network set-up: network support unit.

The Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) (National CAP Network), through its NN support unit, supports the Managing Authority’s monitoring and evaluation unit by disseminating questionnaires to beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries of the 2023-2027 CSP projects when requested. The support focuses on outreach and distribution, helping questionnaires reach the intended audiences through existing NN communication channels and stakeholder contacts. It does not cover the design of evaluation methods or the analysis of responses.

This contribution is used when evaluators or the Managing Authority’s monitoring and evaluation function need to collect primary information from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries for evaluation work. It is particularly relevant where respondents are geographically dispersed and where the National Network has established links to local actors and beneficiary groups.

Questionnaires are shared through RNDR channels and contact lists are agreed with the Managing Authority. Respondents then complete and submit the questionnaire directly, providing information for the planned data collection.

By supporting questionnaire dissemination, the NN contributes to the practical implementation of evaluation fieldwork by helping to reach target respondents and encourage participation in the data collection process.

Target groups: Managing Authority; evaluators; beneficiaries; potential beneficiaries/non-beneficiaries.

Forms of collaboration: regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority); coordinated data collection through partner channels.

NN role: The NN supports as a facilitator and communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It disseminates questionnaires through NN channels and contact lists, convenes links with local actors and beneficiary groups, and supports outreach to beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority’s monitoring and evaluation unit and, where relevant, external evaluators.

Link: No specific link provided. RNDR website for general context: http://www.rndr.ro

Contact: Network Support Unit (NSU), Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) – rndr@madr.ro. Website: http://www.rndr.ro.

Reporting and disseminating evaluations

NNs can be particularly effective in ensuring evaluation results are understood and used.

Evaluations often produce technical reports. NNs can complement these by developing accessible products (short summaries, thematic briefs, web content, webinars) that present the evidence and messages in plain language, while keeping attribution clear (e.g. ‘findings from the evaluation report…’) and avoiding reinterpretation beyond what the evidence supports.

NNs can also support structured dialogue around findings: organising dissemination events where Managing Authorities, Monitoring Committee members, stakeholders and evaluators can discuss conclusions and recommendations, clarify what is evidence-based, and explore implications for implementation. Such events are most useful when framed as learning-oriented, and when they explicitly distinguish between monitoring status (what has happened) and evaluation assessment (what it means and why).

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Disseminating evaluation-related outputs through Network communication channels (Croatia): Croatia / Croatian National CAP Network

The Croatian NN disseminates evaluation-related content to support awareness of evaluation work linked to Croatia’s 2023-2027 CSP. The NN shares evaluation reports, studies, guidance documents, events and consultation processes through its websites (nrm.hr, ruralnirazvoj.hr), membership system and social media channels (Facebook, X, LinkedIn). It also disseminates relevant evaluation materials from the EU CAP Network and the European Commission. Topics covered include implementation of the CSP evaluation plan, assessment of sectoral support, environmental impacts, digitalisation, the CAP’s contribution to sustainable productivity, simplification and administrative burden. This ongoing information flow helps stakeholders follow evaluation requirements and emerging evidence, and identify opportunities to engage in events and consultations.

Target groups: Managing Authority; evaluators; researchers/academia; stakeholder organisations/associations (including farmer organisations, sector bodies); NGOs/civil society organisations; general public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: coordination with national institutions and stakeholders for dissemination of national materials; relaying EU CAP Network/Commission outputs to national audiences; engagement via membership and social media channels.

NN role: Acted as a dissemination hub for evaluation-related information and opportunities for engagement.

NN role: The NN acts as a communicator of accessible outputs. It adapts and disseminates evaluation-related materials, including outputs from the EU CAP Network and the Commission, for national audiences. It curates and disseminates information on evaluation requirements, evidence and consultation opportunities through its communication channels.

Link: https://nrm.hr/sp-zpp/; social media (Facebook, X, LinkedIn)

Contact: Croatian National CAP Network - nrm@mps.hr. Website: https://nrm.hr/.
Facilitating access to CSP evaluation information and results for stakeholders (Lithuania): Lithuania / Lithuanian National CAP Network

Network set-up: national support unit.

The Lithuanian National CAP Network (National CAP Network), through its NN support unit, facilitates stakeholder access to information on evaluations under the 2023-2027 (CSP). A dedicated section on the NN website (“SP tyrimai ir vertinimai”) provides an entry point to CSP monitoring and evaluation information. Rather than duplicating materials, it offers a structured reference to the Managing Authority’s website so users can reach the most up-to-date versions of evaluation documents and results.

Alongside online access, the NN support unit supports the dissemination of evaluation work through active communication and presentation of evaluation content. This includes publicising evaluation results and organising presentations on evaluations. The aim is to help stakeholders understand what is being evaluated, how the evaluation work is planned, and what findings are emerging from completed or ongoing evaluations.

This activity is implemented in coordination with the Managing Authority and draws, where needed, on expert inputs from evaluators. It supports a shared understanding of evaluation planning and findings among Monitoring Committee members and other CSP stakeholders, including responsible bodies involved in CSP implementation.

Target groups: CSP Monitoring Committee members; Managing Authority; Paying Agency; intermediate bodies/implementing bodies (including relevant departments and agencies); evaluators; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority); communication partnership for public-facing outputs (Managing Authority); partner expert contributions (evaluators).

NN role: The NN acts as a communicator and facilitator. It maintains a web-based entry point to CSP evaluation information, provides structured links to Managing Authority materials, and disseminates evaluation results through presentations and communications. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority and, where needed, contributing evaluators.

Link: https://www.kaimotinklas.lt/lt/temos

Contact: Network Support Unit (NSU), Lithuanian National CAP Network – tinklo.sekretoriatas@zum.lt. Website: https://www.kaimotinklas.lt.
Publishing monitoring and evaluation results on the NN website (Romania): Romania / Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR)

Network set-up: network support unit.

The Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) (National CAP Network), through its NN support unit, publishes monitoring and evaluation results related to implementation of the 2023-2027 CSP that are produced by the Managing Authority’s monitoring and evaluation unit. These outputs are made publicly available on the NN’s website in a dedicated ‘Evaluation’ section. The section provides a single, accessible entry point for stakeholders and citizens to find monitoring and evaluation outputs and related information.

The activity is based on internal coordination between the NN support unit and the Managing Authority’s monitoring and evaluation function. The monitoring and evaluation unit supplies the monitoring and evaluation outputs for publication. The NN then uploads the materials and maintains public access through the online section, supporting timely dissemination.

As part of this process, the activity may include routine coordination with responsible bodies and, where applicable, a validation or review loop involving evaluators before publication. Overall, the NN acts as a communication channel for making CSP monitoring and evaluation outputs available to a wider audience in a consistent way.

Target groups: CAP stakeholders; general public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: Regular coordination meetings with responsible bodies (Managing Authority; evaluators); validation or review loop for outputs (evaluators); communication partnership for public-facing outputs (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN acts as a communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It uploads and disseminates monitoring and evaluation products in a dedicated website section, maintains public access, and coordinates publication workflows. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority’s monitoring and evaluation unit and, where applicable, evaluators involved in validation or review.

Link: https://www.rrn-pac.eu/evaluare-rrn

Contact: NN support unit/Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) – rndr@madr.ro. Website: http://www.rndr.ro.
Organising conference linking agriculture and science for evidence-informed CSP evaluation (Spain): Spain / Spanish National CAP Network

The Spanish NN hosts evaluation-related conferences. For example, on 10 June 2025, it organised a hybrid conference in Madrid, ‘Agriculture and science, a necessary dialogue for a prosperous agri-food sector’, delivered in person and streamed via the National Network’s YouTube channel. The event presented results and planned follow-up work from a cooperation agreement between the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and the National Research Council (CSIC). The agreement aims to provide scientific support for the evaluation of Spain’s 2023-2027 CSP.

The conference brought together 64 participants and recorded more than 217 live-stream views. Participants included public administrations, the scientific community, representatives of the agricultural sector and environmental organisations. A key contribution highlighted analytical work by CSIC’s Institute of Economics, Geography and Demography (IEGD) to support the assessment of socioeconomic aspects of the CSP. Broader reflections considered how scientific evidence can be used in evaluation and policy learning.

Overall, the meeting provided a forum to communicate progress and preliminary findings and to support dialogue between policy and science communities involved in, or informing, CSP evaluation.

Target groups: National, regional and local public administrations; researchers/academia; CAP stakeholders; NGOs/civil society organisations.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event (public administrations); partner expert contributions (researchers/academia).

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and communicator of accessible outputs. It convenes the conference, coordinates partner inputs, and disseminates CSP evaluation-related analytical work and preliminary findings. It does so in coordination with MAPA and CSIC, engaging public administrations, researchers and stakeholder organisations.

Link: https://redpac.gob.es/evento/jornada-agricultura-y-ciencia-un-dialogo-necesario-para-una-agroalimentacion-prospera

Contact: Spanish National CAP Network – redpac@mapa.es. Website: https://www.redpac.gob.es/.
Event communicating soil monitoring and evaluation findings on carbon-farming eco-scheme practice (Spain): Spain / Spanish National CAP Network

The Spanish NN hosts evaluation-related conferences. For example, on 5 December 2025, it organised a hybrid event, ‘Soil as an ally of agriculture in the face of the climate emergency’, co-organised with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). The event presented monitoring work on soil organic carbon linked to carbon-farming eco-schemes under Spain’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP). It also shared results from campaign years 2023-2025, including findings from the CARBO-PAC-TO project’s monitoring work.

The programme included contributions on databases and soil monitoring in support of agricultural policies, alongside updates from MAPA. Monitoring evidence was used to discuss how carbon farming practices relate to soil health and soil carbon sequestration. The event also disseminated evaluation-related work, including a presentation on the assessment of Practice 4 (direct sowing) under the CSP eco-scheme ‘carbon farming and agroecology: crop rotations and direct sowing’.

A chaired roundtable brought together scientific experts, farmers and other practitioners, and responsible managing bodies. This enabled exchange on the benefits of carbon farming, including aspects beyond climate impacts. The event took place in person at MAPA and online via the NN’s YouTube channel, supporting access to monitoring and evaluation information and facilitating dialogue among actors involved in implementation.

Target groups: National, regional and local public administrations; researchers/academia; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event (public administrations); partner expert contributions (researchers/academia); peer learning and practice exchange (stakeholder organisations).

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and communicator of accessible outputs. It convenes and disseminates the event, coordinates expert contributions, and communicates soil monitoring and evaluation findings on carbon-farming eco-schemes. It does so in coordination with MAPA and invites scientific and practitioner stakeholders.

Link: https://redpac.gob.es/evento/el-suelo-como-aliado-la-agricultura-frente-la-emergencia-climatica

Contact: Spanish National CAP Network – redpac@mapa.es. Website: https://www.redpac.gob.es/.
Organising seminar on CSP evaluation (Finland): Finland / Finnish National CAP Network

The Finnish NN organises seminars related to CAP evaluation. For example, on 2 December 2025, the NN and the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry held an evaluation seminar on the 2023-2027 CSP to take stock at the mid-point of the programming period. Discussion focused on whether implementation was progressing as intended and whether desired impacts were likely to be achieved. The seminar was delivered in a hybrid format, with participants on site in Helsinki and online in real time, and a recording was made available for later viewing.

The programme drew on interim evaluation reports completed by the end of 2025, using these as the basis for structured discussion on progress, challenges and implications for the future direction of the CSP. It targeted key stakeholders identified in the CSP evaluation plan, while also remaining open to a wider audience, including citizens.

Responsibilities were shared between the ministry and the NN. The NN led event logistics and delivery, briefed evaluators, and managed advance communications, including preparing summaries for wider national use. The ministry coordinated contacts with evaluators and panellists and prepared a media handout. The seminar also generated practical lessons on communicating evaluation results, with an emphasis on keeping discussion focused on key findings rather than methods.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; evaluators; CAP stakeholders; general public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event (Managing Authority; evaluators); joint facilitation or co-delivery of content (evaluators); peer learning and practice exchange (public administrations); coordinated dissemination and outreach (including targeted stakeholder communication).

NN role: The NN acts as a coordinator/organiser and communicator of accessible outputs. It coordinates practical arrangements and event flow, briefs evaluators and disseminates pre-event communications and summaries of valuation findings. It does so in coordination with the ministry and contributing evaluators, who lead substantive inputs and panellist engagement.

Link: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/tapahtumat/suomen-cap-suunnitelman-arviointiseminaari/

Contact: Salla Pätilä, Finnish National CAP Network – salla.patila@maaseutu.fi. Website: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/.

Follow-up of evaluations

Follow-up concerns what happens after evaluation results are delivered, how recommendations are considered, what changes are decided and how learning is integrated into governance, delivery and future evaluation planning.

Networks can contribute by sustaining attention to learning outcomes and by offering practical mechanisms to support uptake.

A useful NN contribution is to facilitate a structured ‘recommendations follow-up discussion’ with relevant actors (e.g. Managing Authority, Monitoring Committee, thematic stakeholders), focusing on which recommendations are accepted, which require more evidence, which implementation steps are feasible, who is responsible and what timing is realistic.

Where appropriate, NN can help document agreed follow-up actions and ensure these are visible to stakeholders (without presenting them as binding commitments unless formally decided by competent authorities).

The following example illustrates these NN contributions:

Organising virtual evaluation ‘Morning Coffee’ sessions (Finland): Finland / Finnish National CAP Network

Finland runs a series of short, virtual ‘Evaluation Morning Coffee’ sessions (around 60 minutes each) to support evaluation capacity building and encourage practical use of evaluation knowledge in day-to-day work. The sessions are jointly organised by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the NN. They provide a low-threshold format for regular discussion on evaluation findings and what they mean for implementation.

The programme focuses on the latest evaluation results and on how recommendations can be applied in practice. Content covers both ex-post evaluations of the Rural Development Programme and evaluations of the 2023-2027 CSP. Sessions are designed to be accessible for non-specialists, with a facilitated discussion to help participants reflect on implications for their own work and on possible follow-up actions.

The primary audience is the agricultural and rural administration, including staff involved in CSP delivery and monitoring and evaluation tasks. By offering a recurring online space for peer exchange, the sessions support continuous professional learning across institutions. They also help make evaluation outputs more usable by presenting them in a concise format and linking findings to practical questions raised by participants.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; evaluators; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of recurring online learning sessions (Managing Authority); joint facilitation or co-delivery of content (evaluators); peer learning and practice exchange (evaluators).

NN role: The NN acts as a coordinator/organiser and facilitator. It coordinates preparation of the ‘Evaluation Morning Coffee’ sessions, facilitates discussion on evaluation findings and recommendations, and disseminates session information to relevant administrative audiences. It does so in coordination with the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and contributing evaluators.

Link: Not available.

Contact: Salla Pätilä, Finnish National CAP Network – salla.patila@maaseutu.fi. Website: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/.

Supporting CSP monitoring and evaluation capacity building

What does it mean

Monitoring and evaluation capacity refers to the ability of relevant actors to generate, interpret, use, and communicate evidence for the CSP. This includes technical capacities (understanding indicators, data sources, methods, and evaluation concepts) and functional capacities (governance arrangements, roles, collaboration and routines that allow M&E to operate effectively).

Capacity building is therefore not limited to training. It can include peer learning, practical guidance, communities of practice, structured exchanges between stakeholders, and support to interpret and use M&E products.

In the CSP context, relevant stakeholder groups include Managing Authorities, Monitoring Committee and steering group members, Paying Agencies and data holders, LAGs, evaluators and wider thematic communities involved in CSP implementation.

For NNs that are new to evaluation, a useful starting point is a ‘minimum package’ that helps stakeholders engage confidently without needing to become technical specialists: basic vocabulary; who does what in the national system; how data are generated and used; how to read an evaluation product.

How NNs can support M&E capacity building of CSP stakeholders

NNs are well placed to deliver capacity-building because they operate through convening, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Their contribution can be particularly valuable where M&E responsibilities are distributed, where turnover is high, or where evaluation expertise is limited.

Networks can respond through a combination of targeted training, practical ‘how-to’ materials, peer exchange formats and ongoing support activities that help stakeholders apply M&E concepts to real CSP questions.

To keep activities relevant and efficient, it is useful to tailor capacity-building formats to stakeholder needs. For example, Monitoring Committee members may benefit from short sessions focused on how to interpret performance information and how to use evaluation findings; LAGs may need practical support on reporting and on local development strategy evaluation, while evaluators may need CAP-specific orientation on the intervention logic and indicator architecture used in CSPs.

Managing Authority and Paying Agency

For Managing Authorities and Paying Agencies, NN-led capacity building can focus on strengthening the practical management of evaluation processes (e.g. preparing evaluation ToR, organising steering arrangements, planning data access, and ensuring evaluation use).

Networks can organise learning-oriented events around monitoring and evaluation outputs to support the Managing Authority and Paying Agency in communicating about M&E to stakeholders.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Organising training on evaluating income support and sectoral interventions (Croatia): Croatia / Croatian National CAP Network

The Croatian NN, through its support unit, organises capacity-building activities linked to the monitoring and evaluation of Croatia’s 2023-2027 CSP. In November 2025, the NNk co-organised an EvaluationWORKS workshop in Zagreb with the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP. The workshop focused on evaluating income support (direct payments) and sectoral interventions. It combined presentations and interactive discussion, drawing on examples from other Member States. Content covered core elements of the CSP monitoring and evaluation system, key principles and steps in evaluation, the legal framework, and the CSP Evaluation Plan, including roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders. It also addressed evaluation design challenges, including defining scope and objectives, selecting indicators, evidencing contribution to PMEF indicators, and data collection needs. The session concluded with a discussion and identification of possible follow-up topics for further learning.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; working group members; evaluators.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation with the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; facilitation/input from the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP; joint participation of MA, Paying Agency and evaluation working group.

NN role: The NN acts as a coordinator/organiser. It co-organises the EvaluationWORKS workshop, supports participation of the Managing Authority, Paying Agency and working group members, and coordinates practical delivery with partners. It contributes to dissemination of workshop information and follow-up messages through NN channels.

Link: https://nrm.hr/novosti/odrzana-radionica-o-evaluacijskim-aktivnostima-u-okviru-strateskog-plana-zajednicke-poljoprivredne-politike-2023-2027/

Contact: Croatian National CAP Network – nrm@mps.hr. Website: https://nrm.hr/.

Monitoring Committee and steering group members

Monitoring Committee and steering group members often need practical support to engage with M&E without needing to become technical specialists. NNs can support their capacity by providing concise orientation sessions on: what monitoring data can and cannot show; how evaluation questions are structured; what constitutes credible evidence; and how to interpret findings and recommendations in ways that support decision-making while respecting responsibilities and procedures.

The following example illustrates these NN contributions:

Training on CSP evaluation planning and stakeholder roles (Lithuania): Lithuania / Lithuanian National CAP Network

Network set-up: national support unit.

The Lithuanian NN, through its NN support unit, organises capacity-building activities to strengthen the capacities of Monitoring Committee members. For example, on 18 May 2023, the NN support unit and the geographic expert of the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP co-organised a training session on planning evaluations of the Lithuanian 2023-2027 CSP. The session, titled ‘Planning evaluations of the Lithuanian CSP 2023-2027: purpose, requirements, needs and opportunities’, introduced key novelties relevant to evaluating the CSP and discussed the practical value of evaluation planning.

A central focus was the required content of the CSP evaluation plan and how it is prepared and implemented. The session also explored stakeholder roles in evaluation planning, including contributions to defining needs, shaping planned evaluation work and supporting delivery. Discussion highlighted the governance dimension of evaluation planning, including how responsibilities and coordination arrangements influence how evaluations are taken forward.

Participants included CSP Monitoring Committee members, ministry representatives responsible for organising monitoring and evaluation and for intervention implementation, and organisations that collect and provide data needed for evaluations. The session provided a shared space for these groups to discuss requirements, clarify roles and consider how evaluation planning can be organised in practice to support CSP implementation.

Target groups: CSP Monitoring Committee members; Managing Authority; intermediate bodies/implementing bodies (including relevant departments and agencies).

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of learning activity (Managing Authority, Evaluation Helpdesk); partner expert contributions.

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and facilitator. It coordinates the training, convenes evaluation planners, implementers and data providers, and facilitates dialogue on CSP evaluation plan requirements and stakeholder roles. It does so in coordination with the Evaluation Helpdesk and the Managing Authority.

Link: https://www.kaimotinklas.lt/lt/naujienos/vykusiuose-mokymuose-pristatytas-lietuvos-zemes-ukio-ir-kaimo-pletros-2023-2027-m-strateginio-plano-vertinimu-planavimo-procesas

Contact: Network Support Unit (NSU), Lithuanian National CAP Network – tinklo.sekretoriatas@zum.lt. Website: https://www.kaimotinklas.lt.

LAGs

For LAGs, capacity building can cover both monitoring responsibilities and evaluation-related learning, especially where LEADER reporting is decentralised.

NN may support LAGs in understanding reporting requirements, improving data consistency and using local evidence to reflect on local development strategies.

Where NNs organise workshops on LDS evaluation, an effective approach is to combine basic evaluation concepts with practical exercises, templates, and examples that LAGs can immediately adapt.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Training on LEADER self-assessment for LAGs (Estonia): Estonia / Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network)

Network set-up: hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK).

The Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network), hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK), organises evaluation-related capacity-building activities for LAGs. For example, together with the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP and the Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, it co-organised an EvaluationWORKS webinar on ‘LEADER and LEADER self-assessment’ on 17 December 2024. The webinar aimed to strengthen evaluation-related understanding and practical capacity for LEADER at local level and to place LEADER self-assessment within the wider 2023-2027 CSP monitoring and evaluation context.

The Ministry provided an introductory overview of CAP monitoring and evaluation activities in Estonia for 2023–2027. This was followed by thematic inputs from the Evaluation Helpdesk Geographic Expert, covering the Helpdesk’s activities, basic evaluation concepts in the CAP context, LEADER self-assessment at local level and approaches to assessing LEADER added value. A question-and-answer segment followed each thematic block, and the webinar closed with feedback and next steps.

The Network managed outreach through multiple channels and handled registration. During the webinar, it supported facilitation and moderation and arranged the recording. After the event, the recording and presentations were made available online to support access to the materials.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; LAGs; evaluators; CAP stakeholders; non-specialist rural stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: Co-organisation of learning activity (Managing Authority; Paying Agency; Evaluation Helpdesk); joint facilitation or co-delivery of content (Managing Authority; Paying Agency; Evaluation Helpdesk); partner expert contributions (Managing Authority; Paying Agency).

NN role: The NN acts as a coordinator/organiser and communicator/producer of accessible outputs. It coordinates outreach and registration, supports facilitation and moderation during the webinar, and disseminates the recording and presentations online. It does so in coordination with the Managing Authority and the Evaluation Helpdesk.

Link: https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8425&page=3394&

Contact: Ave Bremse, METK/Estonian CAP Network – ave.bremse@metk.agri.ee; Iiri Raa, METK/Estonian CAP Network – iiri.raa@metk.agri.ee. Website: https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?page=9&.
Training for LAGs on identifying, monitoring and demonstrating LEADER added value (Lithuania): Lithuania / Lithuanian National CAP Network

Network set-up: national support unit.

The Lithuanian NN organises evaluation-related capacity-building activities for LAGs. For example, on 20-21 November 2024, it co-organised a two-day training in Birštonas, Lithuania, with the Lithunaian Ministry of Agriculture and the European Evaluation Helpdesk for the CAP, for LAG representatives. The event, titled ‘LEADER added value: create, recognise, monitor, demonstrate’, brought together more than 120 participants, including representatives of the Paying Agency, the European Commission and experts from different fields. It was facilitated by the Evaluation Helpdesk geographic expert for Lithuania, drawing on practical evaluation experience.

The training aimed to strengthen the capacity to identify and assess LEADER added value in implementing the LDS under the Lithuanian 2023-2027 CSP’s LEADER intervention. Participants explored the concept of LEADER added value and core elements of the evaluation framework described in European Commission guidance. Working groups discussed factors that enable or hinder added value, with particular attention to social capital and governance aspects, and exchanged experience on how LEADER has influenced relationships, interaction and a local “sense of place”, including participation in decision-making.

The second day covered monitoring and evaluation requirements for the LDS and LEADER, and the potential role of LAGs in assessing added value. The event closed with a multi-stakeholder discussion on priorities for Lithuania and nominations for a developing network of ‘LEADER added value ambassadors’, aiming for representation across all counties.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; LAGs; Evaluators.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event or learning activity (Managing Authority; Evaluation Helpdesk; LAGs); peer learning and practice exchange (LAGs); partner expert contributions.

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and facilitator. It coordinates training, convenes LAGs and partner institutions, and facilitates peer exchange on monitoring and demonstrating LEADER added value. It does so in coordination with the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture and the Evaluation Helpdesk, engaging the Paying Agency and other stakeholders.

Link: https://www.kaimotinklas.lt/lt/naujienos/lapkricio-20-21-d-birstone-vyko-mokymai-vietos-veiklos-grupiu-atstovams-leader-pridetine-verte-kurk-atpazink-stebek-parodyk

Contact: Network support unit, Lithuanian National CAP Network – tinklo.sekretoriatas@zum.lt. Website: https://www.kaimotinklas.lt.
Organising workshops on Local Development Strategy evaluation for LAGs (Poland): Poland / Polish Rural Network and National CAP Network (KSOW+)

In June 2024, the central unit of the Polish Rural Network organised a dedicated workshop on the evaluation of the LDS for LAGs as part of a major LEADER launch conference. The conference was organised by the NN with support from the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aiming to support Polish LAGs following their selection for 2023-2027. The LDS evaluation workshop was one of seven workshop topics delivered at the conference. In cooperation with the ministry, the NN developed guidelines for a three-hour workshop programme to meet ministry expectations regarding LAG evaluation. Four parallel workshop sessions were delivered, with 80 participants in total. The workshop objectives were to improve understanding of the evaluation process, strengthen evaluation planning skills, and gather expectations regarding evaluation. The programme covered evaluation concepts and planning stages (including intervention logic, purpose, evaluation questions, methods and respondents), discussion of participant reflections informed by a national meta-evaluation of ex-post LDS evaluations (Warsaw, May 2023), and a short introduction to selected AI tools and their potential use for evaluation at LAG level. Workshop experts prepared a report submitted to the ministry. In the conference plenary, a DG AGRI representative highlighted the importance of measuring LEADER added value and possible methods.

Target groups: LAGs; evaluators.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of learning activity (Managing Authority, Evaluation Helpdesk); collaboration with external service providers; validation or review loop for outputs (Managing Authority).

NN role: The NN acts as capacity builder and convenor; designer and organiser of targeted evaluation training; interface between LAGs and the ministry to surface expectations and practical needs.

Link: https://www.ksowplus.pl/konferencja-leader

Contact: Agata Markuszewska, Zespół Krajowej Sieci Obszarów Wiejskich (KSOW+) – a.markuszewska@cdr.gov.pl. Website: https://www.ksowplus.pl.
Organising LEADER ‘info days’ on monitoring and evaluation requirements for LAGs (Estonia): Estonia / Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network)

Network set-up: hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK).

The Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network), hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK), organises evaluation-related capacity-building activities for LAGs. For example, in 2024 the NN organised two targeted LEADER info days to support LAGs with monitoring and evaluation under the 2023-2027 CSP. The events focused on LAG self-assessment and practical implementation topics relevant to evidence and reporting. Representatives of the Managing Authority (Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture) and the Paying Agency (PRIA – Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board) contributed by presenting current practices and operational expectations.

The first event (6 May 2024; online via Zoom) addressed LEADER monitoring requirements, including which data are reported to the European Commission. It also reviewed monitoring and evaluation arrangements for 2023-2027 and included the Paying Agency perspective. Additional topics linked to sound implementation and assurance were covered, including conflict of interest and audit-related issues.

The second event (29 October 2024; Jäneda) provided updates relevant to local development delivery. Topics included indicators and monitoring for 2023-2027, current LEADER implementation issues (including changes to LAG strategies), and Paying Agency guidance on implementation processes such as e-services, submission of payment requests, project visibility and cost reasonableness checks. Recordings and materials were made available after the events, and participant feedback was collected to inform future support.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; LAGs; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event or learning activity (Managing Authority; Paying Agency); partner expert contributions (Managing Authority; Paying Agency); peer learning and practice exchange (LAGs).

NN role: The NN acts as a coordinator/organiser and facilitator. It drafts the programme, coordinates presenters, and manages outreach, registration and facilitation for the LEADER info days, in coordination with the Managing Authority and Paying Agency. It also organises and disseminates recordings and materials and collects participant feedback to inform follow-up support.

Link:

https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8301&page=3339&

https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8372&page=3339&

Contact: Ave Bremse, METK/Estonian CAP Network – ave.bremse@metk.agri.ee; Reve Lambur, METK/Estonian CAP Network – reve.lambur@metk.agri.ee. Website: https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?page=9&.

Wider public

For the wider public, NNs can contribute to M&E capacity building by strengthening basic evaluation literacy i.e. helping non-specialist audiences understand what the CSP is trying to achieve, what monitoring information can (and cannot) show and how evaluation differs in assessing results and impacts.

The aim is not to turn citizens into evaluators, but to enable more informed engagement with CSP evidence and to support transparency and trust in how performance information is discussed.

In practice, NNs can do this by translating technical monitoring and evaluation outputs into clear, accessible formats (plain-language summaries, short explainers, infographics, videos, podcasts, FAQs) and by using real examples to illustrate concepts such as indicators, baselines and targets, and the difference between outputs, results and impacts. Public-facing webinars, open sessions at NN events, and thematic communication around evaluation findings can also be used as learning opportunities, particularly when they include a short ‘how to read this information’ element.

The following examples illustrate these NN contributions:

Disseminating CSP evaluation and monitoring evidence on environmental aspects and strengthening stakeholder evaluation capacity through thematic webinar series (Estonia): Estonia / Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network)

Network set-up: hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK).

The Estonian Rural Network (Estonian National CAP Network), hosted by the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK), organises evaluation-related capacity-building activities for the wider public, including CAP beneficiaries. For example, in 2025, the NN ran a series of four thematic webinars to strengthen monitoring and evaluation capacity and to communicate evidence relevant to Estonia’s 2023-2027 CSP. The series addressed: biodiversity on agricultural land, linked to ongoing evaluations under Specific Objectives 4-6 (10 June 2025); mid-term evaluation results on risk management under the horizontal objective (16 September 2025); soil studies as part of ongoing evaluations under Specific Objectives 4-6 (18 November 2025); and data provision for policy design and evaluation, with a focus on FADN/FSDN and developments in data collection (4 December 2025).

Each session combined expert presentations with discussion and a question-and-answer segment. Several webinars also introduced the CSP evaluation framework, supporting a shared understanding of how evaluation evidence is produced and used. Practical reflections were included where relevant, for example farmer feedback on FSDN and its use for farm management decisions.

The Network coordinated delivery by designing the programme, identifying and coordinating speakers, and managing outreach and registration. It also facilitated and moderated the sessions. Follow-up access was supported through recordings and the publication of presentations and related materials. Audience feedback was collected after the webinars to inform future thematic activities.

Target groups: Managing Authority; Paying Agency; Intermediate bodies/implementing bodies (including relevant departments and agencies); Researchers/academia; NGOs/civil society organisations; general public/citizens.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event (public administrations); partner expert contributions (researchers/academia; NGOs/civil society); stakeholder consultation for design or improvement.

NN role: The NN acts as a coordinator/organiser and facilitator. It designs the programme, coordinates speakers, and manages outreach, registration and moderation for the webinar series, in coordination with public administrations and expert contributors. It also organises and disseminates recordings and materials and collects participant feedback to inform future thematic activities.

Link:

https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8541&page=3394&

https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8570&page=3394&

https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8595&page=3394&

https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?id=8618&page=3394&

Contact: Karme Petrutis, Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) – karme.petrutis@metk.agri.ee. Website: https://www.maainfo.ee/index.php?page=9&.
Facilitating dialogue between rural stakeholders and public administration (Romania): Romania / Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR)

Network set-up: network support unit.

The Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) (National CAP Network), through its NN support unit, supports the organisation of events that bring rural stakeholders together with central and local public administration. The events provide a forum for discussing topics related to the implementation of the 2023-2027 CSP and for supporting collaboration among different groups. Participants can include farmers, researchers, associations, non-governmental organisations and other economic and social partners, alongside public bodies.

The NN’s contribution focuses on practical support to convene and facilitate dialogue. This includes working with public administrations to organise events and, where relevant, supporting joint facilitation or co-delivery of content. Stakeholder organisations may also be involved through structured consultation activities linked to the design or improvement of event content.

Where events are linked to monitoring and evaluation, they can provide a structured setting to share results and discuss what the findings mean for CSP implementation. They also allow stakeholder perspectives to be gathered in a transparent way and can help clarify information needs and implementation challenges raised by different actors. In this way, the activity supports exchange between administrations and rural stakeholders and contributes to a shared understanding of CSP-related issues discussed in the events.

Target groups: Managing Authority; beneficiaries; CAP stakeholders.

Forms of collaboration: co-organisation of event or learning activity (public administrations); Joint facilitation or co-delivery of content (public administrations); stakeholder consultation for design or improvement (stakeholder organisations).

NN role: The NN acts as a stakeholder connector/convenor and facilitator. It convenes rural stakeholders and public administrations, coordinates event organisation and supports joint facilitation of content, in coordination with relevant public bodies. Where events are linked to CSP monitoring and evaluation, it collects stakeholder perspectives and disseminates key messages from discussions.

Link: No specific link provided. RNDR website for general context: http://www.rndr.ro

Contact: Romanian National Rural Network (RNDR) – rndr@madr.ro. Website: http://www.rndr.ro.

National CAP Networks contributing to monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities

Page contents

In a nutshell

Understanding the role of NNs in CSP M&E

NNs contributing to CSP monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities

Supporting CSP monitoring activities

What are CSP monitoring activities?

How can NNs contribute to CSP monitoring activities?

Supporting work of the Monitoring Committee

Participating in the joint Monitoring Committee meetings as an observer and contributor to Managing Authority updates (Estonia)

Participating in the CSP Evaluation Working Group (Poland)

Participating in the multi-fund CLLD Subcommittee Working Group (Poland)

Supporting Monitoring Committee meetings with organisational support and monitoring visuals (Ireland)

Collection of CSP monitoring data

Annual collection, consolidation and reporting of Common Network Statistics (CNS) (Hungary)

Coordinating annual reporting of National Network activities and communication metrics (Portugal)

Collecting participant feedback through event questionnaires (Romania)

Collecting stakeholder feedback on CSP investments via online surveys (Croatia)

Facilitating knowledge exchange on indicator development beyond 2028 (Hungary)

Collecting evidence on digitalisation gaps through self-assessment questionnaires (Hungary)

Coordinating annual reporting by LAG to support network statistics (Denmark)

Coordinating annual standardised self-evaluation of Local Development Strategies by LAGs (Denmark)

Developing a harmonised self-assessment and performance reporting template for LAGs (Hungary)

Supporting evidence collection on LEADER added value for LAGs (Portugal)

Coordinating annual monitoring and reporting under the AKIS action plan (Portugal)

Communicating CSP monitoring results

Developing citizen summaries of the annual performance reports using visuals (Ireland)

Publishing summaries of the annual performance reports online (Croatia)

Developing a decision-support tool for green interventions within the IACS system (Hungary)

Coordinating public communication and monitoring of communication activities (Hungary)

Supporting CSP evaluation activities

What are CSP evaluation activities?

Text version

How NNs can contribute to CSP evaluation activities

Planning and coordination of evaluations

Supporting organisation of evaluation-related coordination meetings with intermediate bodies (Greece)

Organising Thematic Working Group for monitoring and evaluation as a standing platform for CSP evaluation governance, capacity building and stakeholder engagement (Czechia)

Facilitating stakeholder input to CSP evaluation design through evaluation plan presentation (Spain)

Organising workshops on planning and procurement of regional evaluations (Finland)

Preparing and structuring evaluations

Organising meetings linked to planned CSP evaluations (Hungary)

Conducting evaluations

Supporting primary data collection for CSP evaluations (interviews, focus groups and surveys) (Hungary)

Collecting primary data to assess green infrastructure and interventions (Hungary)

Supporting dissemination of questionnaires to beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries (Romania)

Reporting and disseminating evaluations

Disseminating evaluation-related outputs through Network communication channels (Croatia)

Facilitating access to CSP evaluation information and results for stakeholders (Lithuania)

Publishing monitoring and evaluation results on the NN website (Romania)

Organising conference linking agriculture and science for evidence-informed CSP evaluation (Spain)

Event communicating soil monitoring and evaluation findings on carbon-farming eco-scheme practice (Spain)

Organising seminar on CSP evaluation (Finland)

Follow-up of evaluations

Organising virtual evaluation ‘Morning Coffee’ sessions (Finland)

Supporting CSP monitoring and evaluation capacity building

What does it mean

How NNs can support M&E capacity building of CSP stakeholders

Managing Authority and Paying Agency

Organising training on evaluating income support and sectoral interventions (Croatia)

Monitoring Committee and steering group members

Training on CSP evaluation planning and stakeholder roles (Lithuania)

LAGs

Training on LEADER self-assessment for LAGs (Estonia)

Training for LAGs on identifying, monitoring and demonstrating LEADER added value (Lithuania)

Organising workshops on Local Development Strategy evaluation for LAGs (Poland)

Organising LEADER ‘info days’ on monitoring and evaluation requirements for LAGs (Estonia)

Wider public

Disseminating CSP evaluation and monitoring evidence on environmental aspects and strengthening stakeholder evaluation capacity through thematic webinar series (Estonia)

Facilitating dialogue between rural stakeholders and public administration (Romania)