In December 2024, the Ministry of the Interior published the final evaluation of the National Programme of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) for the 2014 - 2020 programming period. The programme aimed to support the Czech Republic's priorities in managing migration flows and in implementing, strengthening, and developing a common asylum policy. The purpose of the final evaluation was to assess the impacts of interventions under the programme.

Methodologically, the evaluation was based on a qualitative research design and consisted of two phases. In the preparatory phase, a detailed desk research analysis of relevant sources was conducted, and the programme's intervention logic was reconstructed. During the implementation phase, data were collected through structured interviews, focus groups, and an expert panel with institutional actors. Additionally, the impact of several selected projects was analysed through case studies. Descriptive statistics, based on data provided by the contracting authority, were created to describe the physical and financial progress of the programme. The evaluation was carried out by a team from Ernst & Young.

A total of €37 782 466.35 was allocated to the programme, with €34 396 135.65 allocated to projects. One of the specific objectives of the programme focused directly on integration issues (SO 2: Integration/Legal Migration). This objective received the highest financial allocation (over €23 million).

The evaluation concluded that the programme had a significant positive impact on the development of immigrant integration in the Czech Republic, primarily through the support of integration centres across the country. According to the evaluation, these centres provide key services that significantly assist immigrants in adapting to their new environment, teaching them the Czech language, and informing them of their rights and obligations. The evaluation considers the nationwide network of integration centres, established with EU funds, as a key factor in the success of the integration process. The programme is regarded as a crucial stabilising element in the field of immigrant integration.

Despite the programme's significant positive impact on securing integration funding, the evaluation identifies certain barriers and shortcomings that must be addressed in the future. In addition to funding shortages or administrative burdens, the departure of key personnel from organisations providing integration services or from integration centres was identified as having the potential to threaten project implementation.

Based on the above, the evaluation recommends maintaining or further increasing the financial allocation to the AMIF programme and involving relevant actors and experts in its preparation. The evaluation highlights that the sustainability of connected projects may be challenging, not only in the non-profit sector but also for other organisations that may struggle with co-financing. Therefore, it recommends incorporating successful activities supported by AMIF into the state budget. Additionally, it suggests reducing administrative burdens and using a broader range of tools to assess project benefits (e.g., conducting evaluations, utilising analytical materials from beneficiaries).

The evaluation and related documents can be found in Czech on the website of the Interior Ministry.