The physical scope of the project includes a total of 9 pre-defined evaluations, some of which are thematic, some refer to all the Priority Axes and the Specific Objectives of the Operational Programme “Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development” (EP-YMEPERAA) and some are additional ad-hoc evaluations if there are significant discrepancies in relation to the objectives set in the planning of the OP.The evaluations aim to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and impact of the OP and thereby contribute to improving the implementation of the OP. They provide data on the results of the implementation of the OP and on the design of the next programming period. Ad-hoc evaluations may be linked to a possible revision of the OP and to improvement measures for its implementation.The OP evaluations are prepared by external evaluators, who should make estimates on the basis of evidence and reliable data in an impartial manner. It is important to ensure the independence of each evaluation.In the context of the 2014-2020 programming period, the principle of independence is strengthened by:- ensuring that external evaluators have full access to all required information.- Ensure that external evaluators have full autonomy in recording the findings and formulating the relevant findings.