Article 17 Evaluation and review

By 31 December 2019, the Commission shall evaluate the initial functioning of the EFSD, its management and its effective contribution to the purpose and objectives of this Regulation. The Commission shall submit its evaluation report to the European Parliament and to the Council, containing an independent external evaluation of the application of this Regulation, and accompanied by a reasoned proposal to amend this Regulation, as appropriate, in particular with a view to extending the initial investment period referred to in Article 8(2). That evaluation report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the Court of Auditors.

By 31 December 2019 and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall evaluate the use and the functioning of the EFSD Guarantee Fund. The Commission shall submit its evaluation report to the European Parliament and to the Council. That evaluation report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the Court of Auditors.