The article takes a critical look at the system for monitoring and evaluating the European Union’s cohesion policy in Poland from 2007 to 2013. This system is a key component of structural policy. It is largely based on a set of monitoring indicators whose target values are determined on an ex ante basis at the programming stage. The achievement of these values largely determines the results of evaluation of the effectiveness of programs carried out, according to the European Commission. The analysis is primarily based on an overview of conclusions included in studies of Poland’s cohesion policy monitoring and evaluation system, and on studies of the future reform of the European cohesion policy. Another source of information used in the analysis are experiences gathered by the author during a number of evaluation studies in which he has taken part. According to Rokicki, the results of the analysis show that the monitoring and evaluation system is inefficient and does not measure up to expectations. Mistakes made at the stage of developing the system may adversely affect the effectiveness of structural policies. But this problem seems to apply not only to Poland, but all EU member countries, Rokicki says. The author does not limit himself to criticizing the existing monitoring and evaluation system, but proposes specific changes as the cohesion policy is expected to undergo reform.