First evaluation of Austrian Development Agency

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the main competence for policy making in Austrian Development Cooperation, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is its operational unit, responsible for the implementation of all bilateral programs, including relations with civil society actors and partner countries.

ADA, which was founded under private law in 2004 , should deal with the increasing aid volume planned in the light of the EU goal to increase ODA to 0,33% of each country's GDP.

Recently the first evaluation study (in German) assessing the management processes, work and role of the ADA in Austrian Development Cooperation was published.

The evaluators made some suggestions to the Austrian Government to improve the ADA's effectiveness:

• cut red-tape in the relationship between the ADA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• make better use of the ADAs private character, which should lead to decentralization and a stronger focus on dialogue and trust in the management style
• regular and flexible dialogue with NGOs
• improve project evaluation, including a stronger participation of partner countries

The authors concluded that the ADA has found its feet in the institutional environment and has become a respected actor in Austrian Development Cooperation.

See also Euforic's country dossier and newsfeed on Austria.