In the framework of drawing up the OP "Development the Competitiveness of the Bulgarian Economy" 2007-2013, an ex-ante evaluation in accordance to Article 48 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 was performed and a team of external evaluators examined the coherence and strategy of the Operational Programme.

The process of independent assessment of the OP finished in August 2006.

The ex-ante evaluation was conducted in parallel as an integral part of the work connected with the preparation of the programme document. The ex-ante evaluation was also linked, in terms of material and organization, with the environmental impact assessment of the OP.