EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 3.9.2025

SWD(2025) 626 final

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

SUMMARY OF THE EX-ANTE EVALUATION

Accompanying the document

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION







amending Council Decision (EU) 2021/1764 of 5 October 2021










on the association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the European Union on the one hand, and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other

{COM(2025) 599 final} - {SWD(2025) 625 final}

Summary of the ex-ante Evaluation

EU PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

The ex-ante evaluation of the European Union (EU) partnership with the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) has been developed in close alignment with the orientations of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 1 and in line with EU policy priorities. By embedding the analysis in this guiding context, the document:

·Outlines the main features of the EU-OCTs partnership,

·Elaborates on the performance of the partnership and the EU added value,

·Examines lessons learned and challenges,

·Explains a ‘single option’ for the implementation of the partnership, and

·Proposes recommendations for the next MFF.

The evaluation demonstrates DOAG’s 2 consistently high performance towards achieving the desired outcomes. In particular, the evidence shows that DOAG:

·Is on track to effectively deliver its objectives, reaffirming the strategic dimension of the partnership.

·Has successfully integrated the former Greenland Decision 3 and is delivering on the partnership with Greenland.

·Has promoted coherence with the broader EU financing architecture.

While the evaluation concludes that DOAG has been fit for purpose, several challenges were identified in the following areas:

·Adaptation to global trends and integration into regional economies.

·Coherence with the broader EU financing architecture.

·Effective dialogue.

Considering the legal nature of DOAG 4 , and taking due account of the analysis of the performance and the added value of the EU action, as well as the lessons learned and identified challenges, the evaluation proposes a set of amendments to further enhance DOAG’s strategic dimension and to ensure more impact while delivering on the objectives of the EU-OCTs partnership.

The amendments cover relevant DOAG recitals as well as articles of the body text and Annex I. Annexes II, III, and IV were significantly updated during the 2021-2027 MFF negotiations and remain fit for purpose. The proposed changes aim at:

·Integrating DOAG better into the strategic investment agenda under the Global Gateway, by applying more flexibility and an updated toolbox.

·Reinforcing coherence within the broader EU financing architecture, including relevant cross-references specifying eligibility and access of the OCTs to Union programmes and external financing instruments, as well as streamlined provisions for financial cooperation via references to Global Europe.

·Enhancing structure and strengthening strategic focus of the dialogue.

(1)

     Communication from the Commission|: ‘The road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework’: COM (2025) 46 of 11 February 2025.

(2)

     Decision on the Overseas Association, including Greenland: Council Decision (EU) 2021/1764 of 5 October 2021.

(3)

     Council Decision 2014/137/EU of 14 March 2014 on relations between the European Union on the one hand, and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other. 

(4)

     DOAG – which is an association Decision - does not have a sunset clause linked to the duration of the MFF, except for its 2021-2027 funding programme.