The ToT is designed to build a pool of qualified IPA III monitoring and evaluation trainers, enhance participants’ technical expertise alongside training and facilitation skills, and support the delivery of high quality, context specific trainings across the region. During the first module, participants explored the fundamentals of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), learned how to build results chains, and deepened their knowledge of IPA III monitoring principles. The learning activity enhanced institutional capacity by positioning monitoring within IPA III governance and internal control, emphasizing its role as a management tool supporting legality, performance and accountability.

The module also encouraged a shift from treating monitoring and evaluation as static reporting to an adaptive, knowledge‑driven organizational process, and the exchange of knowledge-sharing practices and offered hands-on opportunities to practice training and facilitation techniques, while promoting proactive knowledge capture and continuous improvement, key competencies for future IPA III trainers. Through this approach, the first module established a solid foundation in IPA monitoring principles, adult learning and training methodologies, as well as the core concepts behind effective MEL.

An online wrap-up will follow in March to consolidate learning and encourage reflection on practical application. It will also prepare participants for the more advanced skill-building Module 2, which will deepen practical monitoring approaches, strengthen data quality and reporting, and support alignment with EU reporting standards. Module 3 will then focus on translating monitoring findings into institutional action through impactful trainings, with an emphasis on curriculum development, mentoring, and action planning.

Together, these modules will provide participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for monitoring and evaluating the use of EU funds under IPA III, and the ability to design and deliver impactful trainings within their institutions and other stakeholders. Disseminating such knowledge supports countries in their preparation for EU accession by contributing to the alignment with the acquis chapters 22 (regional policy and coordination of structural instruments) and 32 (internal control).