This report presents the findings of the external evaluation of the European Research Executive Agency (REA) for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024. The evaluation, conducted in line with the European Commission’s Better Regulation guidelines and Article 25 of Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003, assesses REA’s effectiveness, efficiency, and coherence in managing the programmes delegated by its parent Directorates-General (DG). 

The evaluation was conducted using a mixed-method approach designed to provide a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the Agency’s operations. The methodology combined both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Key elements included a systematic desk review of legislation, reports, and internal documents, as well as an analysis of monitoring data. Two large-scale online surveys were administered: one targeting beneficiaries and unsuccessful applicants and another aimed at external experts involved in proposal evaluation. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders, including European Commission officials, REA staff, beneficiaries, unsuccessful applicants, external experts, and National Contact Points. The study also incorporated a retrospective cost-benefit analysis comparing actual resource use and costs with ex-ante projections and alternative management scenarios.