EAFRD financial instruments in 2014-2020 Rural Development Programmes

This study provides information about the implementation of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through financial instruments and is based on experience in Member States during the current programming period.

Study content reviews how the legal framework, practical experience and policy decision-making have affected financial instrument preparation and uptake by managing authorities. It is divided into three themes: addressing the preparatory work by managing authorities on financial instruments; the legal framework with its impact on managing authority activities in relation to financial instruments; and the programming of financial instruments in 2014-2020 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs).

Information for the study was gathered through desk review of all RDPs and available ex-ante assessment documents, as well as through interviews with managing authorities and financial intermediaries.