European Social Funds (ESF) Structural Funds Period 2014-2020: Extension to the "Joint Evaluation of the Operational Programme 'Employment in Austria 2014-2020'". Evaluation of Measures under Priority Axis 6 (REACT-EU)

The report evaluates all measures implemented in Austria under REACT-EU in the areas of education, vocational training, adult education, and labour market support for groups particularly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. It covers all projects implemented and accounted for by 31 October 2023. The evaluation shows that the measures had overall positive effects. At the same time, it becomes clear that the short duration of REACT-EU and the administrative burden made implementation and full absorption of funds more difficult. For future programmes, target-group-specific design, practical eligibility criteria, and rapid, as far as possible unbureaucratic implementation emerge as key success factors. At the same time, the evaluation shows that the regular rules of the Structural Funds may limit the flexible and timely implementation of measures in crisis situations.