10 years in EU funds

Europa Media has reached an important milestone - our very first training course on EU funds and proposal development was held 10 years ago, back in the autumn of 2002. This jubilee gives us a good opportunity to look back to our first 10 years, and to contemplate about where we started and what we have achieved so far.

When we had the first Europa Media training course, FP6 had just started. We were one of the pioneer organisations who provided trainings on EU funds, and the very first who did it based on real experience, gained from our several FP5 and FP6 projects. I remember how nervous and worried we were when we had to step up for the first time and start the presentations – "Will the participants like it?", "Are we good enough for giving lectures?" – all these questions were running through my mind during the opening speech on that sunny October Wednesday... And finally, everything went as smooth as it could.

A lot has happened in the past 10 years. FP6 is now just a nice memory for most of us, even FP7 is about to end in a year. Rules and procedures of EU funds have changed, and so has Europa Media. Competition has become fierce - dozens of consultancy firms are now selling training courses on the market - but Europa Media is standing still. To date, we had more than 150 training courses with over 5,000 participants from all over Europe and beyond.

Many people ask what the key to our success has been?

We think that the key is our approach. Our training courses are always built on 100% real-life experience. Our speakers and workshop leaders are working on their own EU-funded project every day; so, they actually have first-hand experience on every possible aspect of proposal development and project management. There are no taboos in our training courses - we always give the full picture to the participants, discussing what is white (dos), what is black (don'ts), and most importantly: what is in the grey zone and how to manoeuvre, if needed.

We know it because we do it!

And now, after 10 years I am proud to announce the 10th training season of Europa Media! This period of 2012-2013 will be very important. There are still plenty of opportunities for getting innovative projects funded under FP7. In addition, the managerial issues of FP7 keep changing, the EC-conducted financial and technical audits have just started, and last but not least, we all have to get prepared for the new funding opportunities of 2014-2020 (Horizon 2020 and the rest).

Our past, current and upcoming training courses have always been designed to meet the needs and requirements of all participants - researchers and administrators, technical staff and accountants, directors and newcomers, coming from the public or private sector. The duration of the courses are from one day up to five days, locations are Budapest, Brussels and Munich.

I am confident that all those interested will find suitable courses in our training season. If not, we are more than happy to hear your wishes and suggestions.

I am looking forward to meeting you at one of our upcoming courses!

Gábor