Final evaluation of FPI crisis response in North-East Syria

Strong results, but weak coherence: FPI actions stayed separate, with limited coordination and no shared framework. Sustainability suffers from short cycles and weak ownership/exit planning, EU added value is clear but under-recognised.

Final Evaluation (June 2025) of the EU/FPI crisis response in North-East Syria (NES), covering 2020–2024. It assesses coherence, effectiveness and sustainability (OECD-DAC), EU added value, and cross-cutting issues.

The response aimed to promote stabilisation as an alternative to radicalisation and violent extremism, including reintegration of people returning from camps to communities. The evaluation covers six FPI-funded interventions (≈EUR 11m) implemented via international partner organisations and local partners.

Evidence from desk review, third-party monitoring, interviews and focus groups indicates strong project-level delivery despite a volatile security environment. Outputs were largely achieved in protection and psychosocial support, education/skills, livelihoods and social cohesion/reintegration. The international-local partnership model is a key enabling factor, and community-based early warning/capacity building on violent extremism is highlighted as a distinctive contribution.

However, overall coherence was weak: the response functioned as separate projects with limited coordination and learning, and weak linkages to other EU instruments and donors. Sustainability is constrained by short funding cycles, limited ownership and exit strategies, and difficulties handing over results. Recommendations emphasise a programmatic approach, stronger coordination and knowledge management, and better links across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.