Impact evaluation of the technical assistance dedicated to the management and implementation of structural instruments: the case of the OPTA 2007 – 2014 in Romania

The Operational Programme Technical Assistance (OPTA) was one of seven programmes funded under the “Convergence” Objective during Romania's 2007-2013 period. Its main goal was to support coordination and ensure efficient, effective, and transparent absorption of Structural Instruments in Romania. The study aimed to assess the impact of the projects (95) funded under Priority Axis 1, Key Area of Intervention (KAI) 1.1, which focused on improving the management and implementation of Structural Instruments. The study addressed several research questions, including the progress made with respect to KAI 1.1 objectives, the extent to which the observed progress was due to KAI 1.1, any unexpected effects, the sustainability of progress, and mechanisms needed to facilitate effectiveness and sustainability. It has been found that OPTA contributed to an important improvement in basic skills and knowledge within institutions involved in managing Structural Instruments, particularly at the central level. However, advanced skills development was still needed in areas such as public procurement, project management, and strategic planning. The study also noted improvements in administrative capacity and staff motivation, demonstrated by reduced staff turnover due to financial incentives. Projects under KAI 1.1 were effective in increasing staff stability and motivation, primarily due to funds allocated for salary support. However, projects aimed at increasing capacity in those institutions that benefitted from EU funds had limited effectiveness due to contextual factors, limited budgets, and weak need analysis done at the moment of project design. The study concluded that the administrative absorption capacity of European Structural and Cohesion funds in Romania remained insufficient due to a complex implementation system with high administrative burdens and heterogeneous capacities. Recommendations included continuing support for salary expenditures, promoting effective performance measurement systems, monitoring competency gaps, and ensuring the use and dissemination of outputs produced under Technical Assistance projects.