Glossary

Brief definitions:

A variable used to track changes, measure the results and assess the performance of an intervention.

Predefined indicators are pre-encoded in OPSYS/EU Funding and Tenders Portal and quality-assured by Quality Managers of the European Union External Action. These indicators are easy to use, as they are supported by detailed methodological notes available for each Results Framework (GERF, IPA III, FPI RF). The methodological notes cover, for each indicator, the indicator name, technical specifications, logframe inclusion, values to be reported, calculation methods (with examples), data sources and related issues, the reporting process and corporate reporting, as well as other uses. 

Predefined indicators are categorised to facilitate understanding and support prioritisation. The reported values can be aggregated, making the contributions to EU results by interventions and Implementing Partners visible.

This is a screenshot of a PowerPoint slide about Predefined Indicators with three boxes describing the different types of Predefined Indicators. The first box on the left is titled "Corporate indicators for legal reporting". Under this title, the text states: Defined in basic acts and strategic management frameworks. Examples Results Frameworks: EURF, GERF, IPA PF, IPA III RF, GAP III Strategic indicators, EFSD+ Indicators linked to mandatory and mandatory if relevant. There is a pink arrow box pointing to these points with additional guidance that reads: Must be used when relevant. Possible that none are relevant. Most commonly 1 to 2 relevant per logframe. The second box in the middle is titled "Other corporate indicators". Under this title, the text states: Those defined in thematic and performance frameworks used for corporate reports. Examples Results Frameworks: FPI RF, GAP III thematic indicators, EFSD+ indicators linked to recommended results. Below this text, there is a pink arrow box pointing to these points with additional guidance that reads: Must be used for FPI interventions. Strongly recommended for INTPA, MENA, and ENEST interventions. Possible that none are relevant. Ease of encoding when used, as they are pre-encoded. The third box on the right is titled "Sector/Thematic indicators". Under this title, the text states: Thematic sub-group 1, Thematic sub-group 2, SDG indicators not covered under EURF, GERF, IPA PF, or IPA III RF. Example: From INTPA's sector guidance documents such as Education indicators and Green Economy indicators. There is a pink arrow box pointing to these points with additional guidance that reads: Strongly recommended for INTPA, MENA, ENEST, and FPI interventions. Possible that none are relevant.

Results chain is a diagram depicting the logical links between different levels of results, from outputs to outcomes, illustrating how the achievement of one level leads to another, ultimately resulting in the desired impact.

You can see the results chains in the thematic guidance.


This image is hyperlinked and if you click in it, you will be redirected to the "Sector guidance" page. It displays six thematic sector cards arranged in two rows of three cards each. Each card contains a colored circular icon at the top, followed by a sector title and a list of thematic areas. First row, left card: The icon is green with a factory symbol. The title reads "Green Alliances and Partnerships". The thematic areas listed are: Circular Economy, Food and Nutrition Security and sustainable Agriculture, Green Economy, Nutrition, Sustainable Cities, and Water. First row, middle card: The icon is purple with a dove symbol. The title reads "Partnerships for Human Development, Peace and Governance". The thematic areas listed are: Countering Violent Extremism, Democracy, Human Rights, Justice Sector Reform, Resilience, Conflict Sensitivity and Peace, Security Sector Reform, and Social Protection. First row, right card: The icon is dark red with a building or growth chart symbol. The title reads "Alliance for Sustainable Growth and Jobs". The thematic areas listed are: Business Environment Reform, Education, and Employment and VET. Second row, left card: The icon is orange with people figures symbol. The title reads "Partnerships for Migration and Mobility". The thematic areas listed are: Forced displacement and Remittances. Second row, middle card: The icon is teal with a digital connectivity symbol. The title reads "Alliances for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital". The thematic areas listed are: Cybersecurity and Digitalisation. Second row, right card: The icon is pink with a gender equality symbol. The title reads "Gender Equality". The thematic areas listed are: Gender-based violence, Sexual and reproductive health and rights, Climate Change and environment, Economic and social rights, Equal participation and leadership, and Digitalisation.

A results framework is a tool used for planning, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness of a project or programme. It provides a structured approach to defining and measuring intended results, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and facilitating accountability.

The Results Frameworks most extensively covered in this Resource are the Global Europe Results Framework (GERF), the Instrument of Pre-Accession III (IPA III), and the Foreign Policy Instrument Results Framework (FPI).

Note: EURF and IPA II are used only for ongoing interventions under the previous MFF (2014-2021).