This evaluation assesses the ‘early transition country’ (ETC) classification, its use in the EBRD, and contribution to furthering transition impact in EBRD’s smaller, and less advanced countries, in advance of EBRD’s expansion to Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. EvD evaluated the results of EBRD’s work from 2017 to 2022, across the three strategic priorities: i) private sector development and access to finance; ii) sustainable infrastructure development and renewable energy; and, iii) inter-regional connectivity and international integration. Findings and insights provide learning from experience as EBRD expands to the new regions. EvD makes three recommendations to strengthen focus on smaller, less advanced countries in the future.