Final Evaluation of Cooperation on Competition in Asia

This report evaluates the EU-funded action “Cooperation on Competition in Asia” (2017–2024). It assesses performance against OECD-DAC criteria plus coherence and EU added value, and provides conclusions and recommendations.

The EU action “Cooperation on Competition in Asia” started in September 2017 and ended in February 2024, with a budget of €5,000,000. It targeted China, India, Japan, Korea and ASEAN Member States, serving as a platform for EU–Asia dialogue on competition policy and for promoting convergence of laws and enforcement principles in line with international and EU best practices. The intervention was implemented through three inter-related components: EU Competition Weeks, Competition Summer Schools and EU Visitor Programmes.

The evaluation was conducted in three phases (inception/desk, field, synthesis) and used triangulation via document review, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Key findings: high relevance (topics and formats matched partner needs and supported capacity building and agency-to-agency exchange), strong coherence with EU strategies in ASEAN/Indo-Pacific and broader regulatory dialogue, and good effectiveness in delivering planned activities and supporting cooperation. Efficiency was generally good, though constrained by COVID-19, funding/staff limits and late reporting, outreach tools (social media/website translations) were not fully leveraged. Sustainability prospects are promising, but stronger ownership and clearer integration of gender/human rights and environmental considerations are recommended. Overall impact is positive in fostering cooperation and convergence, and EU added value is high compared to what Member States could achieve alone.