Midterm Evaluation of Local Development Programmes (EEA and Norway Grants 2014–2021) 

The evaluation highlights that, across the 10 beneficiary countries, including Estonia, the programmes have significant potential to drive structural change at the local level. However, it notes that many programmes lack a clear focus on systemic change, with resources often spread thin across multiple areas. The report emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and capacity-building efforts to achieve sustainable impacts. 

In Estonia, specific projects have been initiated to support local development and the midterm evaluation of the EEA & Norway Grants local development programmes (2014-2021) provides insights into Estonia’s participation and the broader impact of these initiatives. Estonia has been allocated €10.6 million under the Local Development and Poverty Reduction programme, focusing on enhancing social and economic cohesion at the local level. Additionally, the EEA and Norway Grants have supported Estonia in areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation. With €6 million funding from the EEA Grants, the climate programme aims to help the Estonian public sector, businesses, and NGOs buffer the effects of global climate change and raise public awareness of its profound impact on their communities. While Estonia has benefited from the EEA & Norway Grants in various sectors, the evaluation suggests that a more strategic focus and enhanced collaboration could further amplify the positive outcomes of these programmes. 

Overall, the evaluation recommends extending project deadlines to improve outcome quality, ensuring a clear focus on systemic change in future programmes, and promoting open calls for proposals to better address the needs of diverse vulnerable groups. It also emphasizes shifting focus from direct service provision to building long-term capacities for sustainable local development. Enhancing the complementarity between EEA & Norway Grants and EU-funded programmes is deemed vital to maximize impact. Bilateral partnerships, though disrupted by the pandemic, continue to play a key role in fostering social innovation and cross-border knowledge sharing.