Securing EU funding is a competitive endeavor that demands a well-structured project and a team capable of managing it effectively. Expertise in project management is not merely an advantage but a necessity for navigating the complexities of EU-funded projects and ensuring their success.
Understanding EU Funding Landscape
The European Union manages a significant portion of its funds in collaboration with national and regional authorities through shared management, primarily via Structural & Investment Funds, which support the Europe 2020 strategy. A smaller portion is directly managed by the EU in the form of grants for specific projects aligned with EU policies or contracts issued by EU institutions. All EU funding is subject to tight controls in terms of full transparency, accountability, and linking to the EU policy priorities.
Access to EU Funding
To make a claim on EU funding, one must match a call for proposals and submit a fully elaborated proposal. Given the massive competition involved, an accurately prepared proposal, which meets all technical requirements, such as showing sufficient project management capability, is key.
Project Management in EU Projects
Project management in the context of EU-funded projects involves a range of responsibilities, including supporting the project coordinator and consortium, handling daily operations, organizing meetings, coordinating reports, addressing queries from the consortium, and managing tasks as outlined in the project plan. Effective project management ensures the administration of the EU project remains on track, all participants are engaged, and deadlines and obligations to the funding bodies are met.
Key Project Management Skills
Several project management skills are important for EU-funded projects. These include:
- Planning and Forecasting: Essential for proper project management.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks to the project’s success.
- Adaptability: The capacity to adjust to changing circumstances and project requirements.
EU Project Management Methodologies
The PM² Methodology, developed by the European Commission, can significantly benefit those managing EU Funds and Grants. The capacity to implement this methodology is essential for anyone involved in the project management of European and National funded projects.
Adopting the European Commission’s methodology for managing projects demonstrates a commitment to high-quality project management and the efficient investment of EU funds. This involves speaking the same “project” language as European Commission staff, project officers, assessors, and auditors; establishing a common language and way of working; defining clear roles and responsibilities for consortium partners; and establishing a project lifecycle that guides project initiating and planning, monitoring and controlling, and project closing.
Benefits of Project Management Expertise
Application of project management best practices at all points of EU-funded work, including proposal writing, project coordination, and reporting, will result in increased efficiency of the project and greater effective results.
Project management expertise can be amplified regarding the following aspects:
- Enhance chances of success of project proposals.
- Improve the quality of project planning and reporting.
- Increase an organization’s competitiveness.
- Manage stakeholders and risks effectively.
- Effective communication with project partners to coordinate the work of everyone.
Working through the Project Lifecycle
The training courses focus on all aspects of an EU project, covering phases from programming to project design, proposal writing, budgeting, project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Such courses empower the professionals concerned to understand EU funding schemes properly and keep a track of a project. Their support is intended towards good management practices and informed decision-making all along the management cycle of projects.
Compliance and Reporting
A critical element of managing EU-funded projects is reporting and visibility obligations. Understanding the obligations regarding visibility and communication/dissemination of EC funded projects is crucial. In addition, preparation for and handling obligations arising from EC audits is crucial.
Financial Risk Mitigation
In-depth understanding of financial risks and the implementation of mitigation measures are crucial for the success of EU-funded projects. Project management training provides a detailed review and analysis of financial risks, equipping participants with the knowledge to mitigate these risks effectively.
The Consortium Agreement
The Consortium Agreement (CA) is a crucial document that defines the rights, responsibilities, and roles of all project partners. It covers organization, decision-making, financial matters, and intellectual property. This contract, signed by all participating entities before the Grant Agreement (GA), is based on models like DESCA or MCARD-HEU and tailored to the project’s needs.
In conclusion, project management expertise is a must for securing and successfully executing EU-funded projects. It ensures compliance, efficient resource allocation, risk mitigation, and effective collaboration among project partners. Mastering project management methodologies and best practices can significantly enhance the chances of securing EU funding and achieving impactful results.
Read Also: Why Should You Master Available Resources and Tools for EU Projects?
