Ex-Post Evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund 2014-2020

This study assesses implementation of Territorial Delivery Mechanisms (TDMs)
introduced under the 2014-20 European Structural and Investment Funds framework.
These were designed to enhance place-based approaches to regional development,
aiming to improve the responsiveness of Cohesion Policy investments to local needs
through integrated strategies and territorial governance. The five TDM types —
Sustainable Urban Development (SUD, delivered as Integrated Territorial Investments
(ITIs), programme Priority Axes or dedicated programmes), Community-led Local
Development (CLLD), and non-SUD ITIs — were applied across Member States with
considerable variation in design and uptake. The study applied a Theory of Change
framework through three ‘causality pathways’ to assess the role of TDMs in promoting territorial development. It took a mixed-methods approach, including data analysis, a survey, case studies, and focus groups. Findings highlight the potentials and challenges of TDMs: while they fostered strategic territorial planning, local engagement, and sectoral coordination, their novelty, limitations in administrative capacity and regulatory complexity represented substantial challenges. Despite initial delays and implementation difficulties, TDMs contributed to decentralisation, strategic coherence, and increased local ownership in some contexts. The study concludes that while TDMs represent innovative tools for place-based development, further regulatory flexibility, capacity building, and evidence generation are essential for maximising their long-term impact.