European funding
Access to European funding is a unique opportunity for companies and organizations to grow internationally. European funding is structured and distributed in programs that track EU sectoral policies. EU funding programmes are approved on a seven-year budget by all European institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union).
European calls for proposals are the means of implementing funding programs by which the European Commission makes available grants or public tenders to implement innovative projects with wide-ranging scope and European added value. European grants are provided through dedicated “calls for proposals” published by the Commission: they are calls for citizens to submit project proposals in multiple thematic areas (from technology to science, health, employment and social inclusion, to environment), and which have the potential to provide solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our days, contributing to the general goals of development, well-being and progress and to European policy priorities.
Grants Europe: the Commission’s priorities
European funding programs are the instruments through which European funds are organized and are the result of a long legislative process based on the priorities contained in the European Commission’s strategic agenda. Priorities are identified based on the most pressing political, economic and social challenges facing European societies.
In 2021 the new seven-year program was launched. The new program focuses particularly on the green and digital transition. The Commission’s priorities between 2019-2024 are 6:
The management of European funds
EU funds represent an unparalleled source of resources for member states to support the implementation of European policies and their own national policies. The European Union has carefully distributed the financial resources to achieve an efficient management of funding at the European and national levels: this in order to ensure that European strategies are implemented taking into account different political, social, economic and territorial contexts.
European Direct Funds
European direct funds are managed directly by the Commission and are provided in the form of grants through the publication of calls for proposals.European programs define the thematic areas in which they will be distributed, including research and innovation, environment, cooperation with third countries, energy, education and training, health, employment and social inclusion, agriculture and rural development, urban development, and maritime policies.
Some important directly managed European funds are:
- Horizon Europe
- Erasmus+
- LIFE Programme
- COSME
- European Social Fund (ESF)
European Indirect Funds
Indirect funds, also called structural funds, are managed under a shared system between the EU and national or regional authorities in each member state. The disbursement of European contributions and the implementation of actions is managed at national and regional level, while at the European level the priorities and guidelines of EU development and cohesion policy are defined. Indirect European funds are organized into National Operational Programs and Regional Operational Programs and aim to support EU regional policy and integration and reduce the economic and structural gap between European regions through local economic and social development. There are five structural funds:
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
- European Social Fund (ESF)
- Cohesion Fund (CF)
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
- European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
What are the benefits of accessing European funds?
Obtaining European grants means accessing substantial economic resources needed to implement high-level projects that take into account a European dimension that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. In addition to the obvious economic benefits, participating in European Union calls for proposals offers several advantages in terms of relationships and business prestige for companies that aspire to rapid business growth through internationalization. In particular, accessing European grants favors:
Development of international networks: the European dimension allows for the expansion of one’s network of strategic and business partners;
Exchange of good practices: participating in European projects fosters the exchange of knowledge and positive models between actors from different contexts;
Increased visibility: the flow of collaborations generated by participation in European projects fosters rapid progress in terms of corporate image and prestige;
Increased competitiveness and added value in business: research and development activities are essential elements for business growth and success;
Support for research and development: European grants are substantial economic resources that enable the development of ambitious projects;
Access to new markets: research and development of innovative products, processes and systems at the European level enables contact with potential new suppliers and customers.
European funding: the key elements for success
Obtaining European grants by participating in European Union calls for proposals is a real challenge. International competitiveness is extremely high, and to cope with it and increase the chances of success, a high level of excellence and innovativeness is essential. In addition, the European dimension must be a key element both in the content of the project proposal and in building a strong international partnership where required.
Therefore, in order to obtain European grants, it is essential to strategically present your project proposal focusing on the following key elements:
- Innovation: the project must have an adequate degree of innovation through the development of new products, services or processes and/or the improvement of existing ones;
- Scalability: the project must define a positive model that can be replicated in other contexts;
- Transnationality: the project must have a European dimension and contribute to the overall EU objectives and specific priorities of the funding program;
- Sustainability and impact: the results of the project must generate positive impacts that can endure over time, even after its conclusion.
European project consultancy
For several years we have been personally involved in several European projects, which enabled us to acquire in-depth knowledge on different funding programs and develop excellence skills in the drafting of successful project proposals, thus experiencing firsthand the challenges this entails, but also the successes and benefits that come with it. Our consulting services on project proposal writing stem from a desire to make our experience available and to facilitate access to European facilities for businesses and organizations. The consulting program we offer is co-designed and tailor-made on our client’s needs. It includes taking charge of the process of identifying appropriate funding opportunities, drafting the project proposal and administrative management of the project, should it be approved.
Our funding consultancy services
Discover our consultancy services for European, national, and regional funds to bring your project idea to life through a customized support, tailored to your needs.
