Diamonds and Coals: Evaluation of the matra programme of assistance to Central and Eastern Europe, 1994-1997: Summary Evaluation Report 1999

This report presents the results of the evaluation of the Matra programme during the period 1994-1997. The evaluation was conducted by the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands (IOB, see annex I). The objective of the evaluation was to assess the contribution of the programme to social transformation processes in Central and Eastern Europe and to draw lessons for the future. The first part of the report contains an overview of the main features and the evolution of the Matra programme, which is followed by an analysis of the programme logic based on the perceptions of the main stakeholders. The second part of the report contains the findings of two country case studies in Hungary and the Russian Federation. The field work in these two countries was carried out in the first half of 1998, which means that important changes after June 1998 are, in principe, not taken into account. Finally, in the last chapter the aggregated evaluation results are presented in elation to the various criteria and concepts used to assess programme performance. The evaluation was directed and coordinated by Anneke Slob (IOB) and Maw van der Sleen (Netherlands Economic Institute, NEI) and assisted by Sacha Koppert (research assistant, IOB). Reference groups in Hungary, the Russian Federation and the Netherlands offered very valuable advice on methodology, provided insights into social transformation processes and commented on draft reports. A large number of experts from different countries were involved in this evaluation and interview stakeholders and beneficiaries of the programme (see annex 3 for a list of people involved in the evaluation). Last but not least, a large number of organizations and people in Hungary, Russia and the Netherlands were willing to discuss issues and share their views with the evaluations, which was of great benefit. The IOB expresses its thanks to all those who participated in and contributed to thief evaluation. The contents of the report, however, are the sole responsibility of the IOB.