Mid-term evaluation of the project ''Building a new relationship with the United Kingdom"

This report reviews mid-term performance of the EU FPI/PSF action supporting the EU Delegation in London to deliver policy support and public diplomacy across seven themes in a sensitive post-Brexit context.

Mid-term evaluation (to Nov 2023, with a forward look) of the EU-funded project “Building a new relationship with the United Kingdom” reviews support to the EU Delegation in London via rapid, flexible tools for post-Brexit relations. It combines policy support and public diplomacy (events, studies, monitoring products, media and stakeholder outreach) across seven themes: EU citizens, youth, trade/business, climate/environment, digital/science, politics/security and culture.

The project is highly relevant, advancing EU priorities, keeping dialogue spaces open and building trust in a sensitive, uncertain setting. Coherence is generally good despite many actors, with coordination across EUD sections, EU institutions/services and Member States, aligned with parallel EU initiatives. Effectiveness is strongest when responding to EUD needs: networking and university outreach expanded contacts (incl. European Affairs Societies), expert partnerships enabled technical exchanges, and high-level events helped reopen channels on shared challenges. Efficiency is broadly good thanks to professional delivery and adaptive management, though value-for-money rationales could be clearer.

Main gap: limited monitoring and impact evidence, with little quantitative measurement. Recommendations: stronger MEL, clearer objectives and audience strategies, more engagement beyond London, and continued use of credible partners through the final phase.