We continue with this post the mini-rubric that aims to provide an answer to some of the most frequently asked questions abouteuroplanning activities. Let us know if the proposed points are catching on!
In order to participate in a European project, do I have to start with a precise project idea and find the “perfect call for proposals,” or do I have to create my own project the moment I find a call for proposals that suits my organization?
The answer to this question lies somewhere in between the two different approaches. Finding the right starting point for creating a European project is a very important methodological point.
On the one hand, it is crucial to accurately analyze the criteria in the notice and its purpose. As explained in the first section of our Guide, a European project is (among other things) a response to a policy priority of the contracting entity, be it the European Commission or a regional structure. So the proposed project must be in line with the relevant requirements and directions (normally spelled out within the call for proposals) and all the formal criteria that follow.
On the other hand, the project must be an expression of an activity:
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- felt by the proposing organization,
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- well-structured (through collaboration and dialogue with actors in its area of focus),
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- Precise and oriented to real needs,
- equipped with all the features to be able to extend its benefits beyond the duration of the project itself.
These aspects are explained in this section of our Guide and take up, in essence, the criteria used to evaluate any European project: relevance, efficiency/effectiveness, impact and sustainability. A project that has already been identified, thought through, and partly worked out by an organization has a better chance of being a “good project” (and of being funded) than an idea that came about contingently as a result of a call for proposals.
Our advice, therefore, is to “cultivate your project idea,” putting it to the test, discussing it with other organizations active in your field (overcoming the fear that it will be “copied”), trying to implement it first on a small scale and with reduced resources. It is very likely that from this exchange the idea will come out improved, strengthened and equipped with a good partnership. It is also very likely that one of the parties involved (not necessarily one’s own organization) will find the most suitable channel to fund it.
The timing of the release of the call (not necessarily the “perfect call”) is another opportunity for discussion and possible adaptation of the project idea. The criteria and priorities of the call must be adhered to precisely: however, doing so is not only a constraint, but also an opportunity to consider certain aspects of one’s project differently, while not distorting it.
