Here you will find summaries and highlighted conclusions of recently completed IOB studies. You can also access full reports (pdf) and related documents.

Featured studies

  1. Dutch efforts in the EU and NATO contribute to the security of the Netherlands

    The Netherlands strengthens NATO and the EU through diplomatic efforts and by making knowledge, manpower and resources available. However, there is room for improvement and a guiding strategy is lacking. – In: Stronger together? Evaluation of Dutch foreign and security policy towards the EU and NATO (2020–2024)

    Image: © Rens Willems
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  2. The Dutch international COVID-19 response

    The Netherlands contributed to alleviating the global consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. However, decisions made were not always in line with stated objectives. – In: The Netherlands’ International Development and Humanitarian Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022)

    Image: © UNICEF Ethiopia
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  3. Matra a useful tool for bilateral relations, effectiveness of programme unclear

    The central and decentral instruments of the programme contribute to cultivating bilateral relations. Programmatically however they lack a clear intervention logic, strategic guidance and measurable results. – In: A seat at the table. Evaluation of the centralised and decentralised Matra instruments (2017-2023)

    Image: © Flickr / European Union
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  4. More coherence in Dutch policy leads to better results

    Many Dutch-funded projects deliver good results for food security, water and climate in the short run. For sustainability and scaling up it is essential to work on long-term strategies with partner countries. – In: Synergy in development. Coherence of Dutch policy and the effects on food security, water and climate in developing countries (2016-2023)

    Image: © Shutterstock
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  5. The Netherlands had considerable influence on EU policy compared to other EU Member States, but it’s no guarantee for the future

    The EU functions as the fourth tier of governance in Dutch public administration. Influencing the EU policy process is important to represent Dutch interests in EU decision making, according to the IOB – In: Oversight through Insight. Evaluation of the Dutch influence in the EU (2016-2023)

    Image: © Shutterstock / Paul Barbar
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  6. Refugee integration proving more challenging than anticipated

    Despite Dutch support and some positive short-term results, refugees’ prospects in the Syrian region have deteriorated. – In: Between Prospects and Precarity. An evaluation of Dutch assistance to refugee reception in the Syria region (2016-2021)

    Image: © UNHCR Jordan / Diego Ibarra Sanchez
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