From Projects to Results: An Approach for Qualitative Assessment of Implemented Projects (The Case of Ruse Municipality, Bulgaria)

We evaluate how Strategic Goal 3, "Improving Territorial Accessibility and Connectivity," was implemented within Ruse’s Municipal Development Plan during the 2014–2020 programming period. By examining EU-funded initiatives, our analysis tests the alignment between actual financial allocations, explicit municipal objectives, and intended long-term impacts. Methodologically, we introduce a qualitative classification model that groups projects by their primary outcomes, separating single-focus connectivity interventions from those yielding multi-objective, cross-sectoral benefits. Our empirical findings demonstrate a heavy concentration of municipal resources within physical infrastructure. This transport and connectivity priority absorbed EUR 47.15 million, representing 54.5% of all investments during the period. When contrasted with Strategic Goal 1 (business climate development), a striking structural imbalance comes to light, with the spending ratio between connectivity and economic growth reaching 9.2:1. This gap points to a traditional, infrastructure-led execution model rather than an integrated strategy capable of tying physical mobility to business competitiveness and institutional capacity. Ultimately, this qualitative assessment approach offers local administrations a practical tool to evaluate development outcomes beyond simple financial absorption rates. The Ruse case underscores that true territorial competitiveness requires a deliberate, strategic balance between hard infrastructure and soft, complementary policy measures.