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Results Frameworks & Indicators

In these pages users can find help to identify the appropriate results frameworks and indicators for EU-funded external action interventions. It is designed primarily for the intervention design phase, but is also useful during implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.

In this resource, you can find:

  • the main EU results frameworks relevant to external action;
  • guidance to help identify which framework applies to your action; 
  • corporate indicators linked to those frameworks;
  • standard sector results chains and indicators; and
  • explanations of key terms and concepts.

 

Why Results & Indicators Matter

Well-designed indicators allow you to monitor and demonstrate your project’s success. But not all indicators offer the same value. By using EU predefined indicators, you ensure your results are comparable, aggregable, and aligned with EU priorities.

Key benefits of using predefined / corporate results frameworks and indicators:

Visibility/accountability: Results can be aggregated and hence strengthen evidence for EU reporting, accountability, and communication of collective achievements.

Efficiency: Ready-to-use pre-defined indicators and methodological guidance reduce the need to develop indicators from scratch.

Alignment: Directly linked to EU key results frameworks (GERF, IPA III, FPI, EFSD+), ensuring consistency with EU priorities.

Funding leverage: Aggregated results inform programming decisions and future resource decisions.

Find the results framework of your action

In case you are designing a set of indicators for an intervention, the funding instrument determines which main results framework and indicators apply. You do not know which is your funding instrument? This is usually mentioned in the call for proposal/tender or in your contractual documents. In case of doubt after signing your contract, check in OPSYS or contact your EC counterpart.

Decision tree for finding contract information. Has the contract been signed? If yes: check OPSYS under 'Basic Act' in the Primary Intervention, or ask the Operational Manager handling contractual management. If no: check the Call for Proposal, ask the Operational Manager handling design, or ask the question within the Call for Proposal.