In accordance with the Implementing Decision 2014/287/EU, an independent evaluation body was appointed to evaluate the European Reference Networks (ERNs) and their members   
5 years after their initial approval, in order to determine the worth and significance of the work produced by the networks.

Specifically, the evaluation set out to assess:
 

• Whether ERNs and their members (HCPs) continue to fulfil the requirements set out in the EU law

• To what degree the ERNs have achieved the original objectives set out in their application

• The outcomes and performance of the ERN and the contribution of each HCP member

• Achievement of the objectives and quality of the deliverables produced under the ERN grants

... in order to judge the following:
 

• Structure: How is the ERN covering the areas it stated it would (including geographical, diseases and conditions, and patient population).

• Maturity: At what stage of development is the network regarding its purpose, governance, leadership, learning and sustainability; level of integration into national health systems.

• Activity: To what degree has the ERN completed the activities it planned to perform; scale and ambition of the achievements.

• Impact: What has been the value added to the patients' experience, both receiving services with each member, and their pathway through the network; impact locally, use of ERN tools