Consulta Europa

The 2nd IKAT Tourism Call for SMEs in Europe Offers Financial Support for Coastal and Maritime Services

Posted on 10 April, 2024 by communication

The 2nd Eurocluster IKAT call for SMEs engaged in coastal and maritime tourism is now open, welcoming applications until Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 16:00 Canary Islands time.

The initiative encourages robust participation from Canarian enterprises. Targeting SMEs involved in nautical and coastal tourism, the call aims to fund services for these businesses through pre-identified providers (including entities from the Canary Islands). This proactive involvement is crucial in identifying and supporting SMEs that many of you are likely to collaborate with. While the application process is straightforward, support is available to assist in English submissions, given the European project context.

Objectives of the 2nd Call The IKAT services targeting SMEs in the coastal and maritime tourism sector aim to provide solutions that address and are in alignment with the priorities of the European Strategy for More Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism, as well as to recover pre-pandemic Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing to re-establishing broken value chains, collaboration, and increasing the resilience of tourism SMEs.

IKAT Eurocluster Supplier Catalog The IKAT EUROCLUSTER establishes a supplier catalog by type of service. This catalogue is developed based on the expertise and quality of the suppliers demonstrated by testimonials, previous work funded through European projects or previous work with at least one of the IKAT partners, and the location of these suppliers in the IKAT countries and EU-13 countries.

IKAT’s primary goal aligns with the European Commission’s updated tourism strategy post-pandemic, emphasising the Mediterranean’s tourism, maritime, and coastal sectors. Establishing an initial consortium, IKAT emphasises a democratic, agile, and flexible approach for short- and medium-term actions supporting the tourism ecosystem.

The IKAT Tourism Call for SMEs in Europe targets entities within the maritime and coastal tourism ecosystem. Key sub-sectors include ports, marinas, recreational and sport boat services, vessel manufacturing and sales, charter and maritime excursions, coastal tourism, water sports, and related services.

Participating SMEs stand to benefit from financial support to enhance their innovation activities within these sectors.

To engage with this opportunity, interested parties can access further information and submit applications through the following links:

IKAT Platform Euroclustering: Find detailed information and submit applications at the IKAT Project Website.
Funding and Tenders Opportunities: Explore European funding opportunities and submit applications at the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Portal.
ECCP: European Cluster Collaboration Platform: Discover opportunities promoted by European clusters and access the IKAT Tourism 2nd Call for SMEs in Europe information at ECCP.

Don’t miss out on the chance to win financial support and contribute to the thriving coastal and maritime tourism ecosystem through the IKAT Tourism Call for SMEs in Europe!

Webinar Success: BestLife2030 Program Update & Recording Now Available!

Posted on 5 April, 20248 April, 2024 by communication

We’re thrilled to share the success of our recent webinar, that focused on introducing technical and financial information for the 1^st Call of Proposals’ Final Phase of the BESTLIFE2030 Programme!

Held on 4 April 2024, this event saw enthusiastic participation from project representatives selected for the full phase, from the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. Attendees walked away equipped with invaluable insights and resources to develop their projects forward effectively.

Now, the recording of the webinar is available for viewing, ensuring accessibility for all participants below:

Dive into the discussions and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advance conservation efforts in our region through collaborative initiatives. Good luck to the applicants!

Finally, to download the presentations please click below:

About BESTLIFE2030

The BESTLIFE2030 programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting conservation and sustainable development in various regions. Through strategic funding and support, BESTLIFE2030 empowers projects that address environmental priorities, contribute to regional ecosystems, and align with global sustainability objectives. By monitoring and evaluating project performance at multiple levels, BESTLIFE2030 ensures that interventions are effective, innovative, and aligned with the programme’s overarching goals. Emphasizing knowledge sharing and learning, BESTLIFE2030 fosters collaboration among stakeholders, disseminates best practices, and maximizes the impact of conservation efforts. Ultimately, the programme seeks to create lasting positive change by protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities, and advancing environmental stewardship for a better future.

The first multi-purpose platform for floating offshore wind and aquaculture in the Atlantic Basin is set to launch

Posted on 14 March, 2024 by communication

This Wednesday, March 13, members of the Consortium of the European AquaWind project, coordinated by the Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture, through the Canary Islands Agency of Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI), visited the W2Power prototype at the ASTICAN facilities.

Present at the visit were Germán Suárez, president of ASTICAN and president of the Canary Islands Marine Maritime Cluster, Javier Franco Hormiga, director of the Canary Islands Agency of Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI); Elba Bueno, CEO of the Canary Islands Marine Maritime Cluster, Ana Mayorga, CFO of ENEROCEAN; Joaquín Hernández Brito, CEO of the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), and Juan Manuel Afonso, Director of the Aquaculture Research Group (GIA) at ULPGC.

The aim of AquaWind is to carry out a demonstration test of an integrated and co-located multi-use solution. The trial consists of validating an existing prototype of floating marine renewable energy production, which will be integrated with an aquaculture production system.

The aquaculture prototype includes a custom-designed fish cage with innovative net materials, a high level of digitization, and validation with fish species to be cultivated. This project will conduct real-world tests for the first time, integrating marine energy production with live fish aquaculture in the Atlantic region.

AquaWind brings together the efforts of a multidisciplinary consortium including R&D centres, companies, SMEs, a regional authority, and a maritime cluster from three EU member states (France, Spain, and Portugal).

This is an 80% co-financed initiative with over €1 million from the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency, thanks to the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund, with the remaining 20% coming from the project partners’ own funds, highlighting that over 50% are SMEs. “This is a good indicator of the effort being made in the Canary Islands through ACIISI to promote projects and activities of public-private collaboration and knowledge transfer in the regional R&D&I field,” noted Javier Franco.

In the Canary Islands, the consortium has key entities such as PLOCAN, which, besides providing support from its Test Bench for validation tests, will lead the work in obtaining the necessary licences and permits for the new activity, as well as economic studies. The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) is responsible for the aquaculture system through the ECO-Aqua Institute and will also be supported by Canexmar S.L., a company dedicated to aquaculture production and commercialization. Additionally, the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster will promote the meeting and dialogue of all social agents related to the sea.

AquaWind’s Consortium members

In this regard, the director of the Canary Islands Agency of Research, Innovation and Information Society, Javier Franco, specified that “a consortium led by the Canary Islands such as AQUAWIND being selected to develop the first multi-purpose platform for floating wind and aquaculture built and installed in Spain, and having significant participation from Canary Islands companies, the Cluster, R&D Centers like PLOCAN, and the University of Las Palmas, reaffirms the commitment of this Government and ACIISI to support our R&D centers so that they continue to develop scientific-technological capacities and human capital that contribute to the much-needed regional economic diversification and prevent brain drain. It is no coincidence that ACIISI, as the managing body responsible for the development of the smart specialisation strategy of the Canary Islands, maintains and reinforces its commitment to the development of the common blue economy industry among the regional priorities in the new framework of the European operational programme 2021-2027.”

The Consortium has chosen Gran Canaria for the development of its project meeting on March 12–13, attended by the project officer (Ms. Sonia Karasavvidou) representing the European Commission and showing interest in the project’s progress.

In this regard, progress was presented at the technical conference held at the ACIISI headquarters on March 12, where the different project partners discussed the project’s progress and milestones. These include progress led by PLOCAN on the regulations and permits necessary for implementing these activities in Canary Islands waters and more biotechnological aspects led by ULPGC and EnerOcean, addressing the engineering solutions enabling the integration of the two major infrastructures consisting of the aquaculture cage and the wind turbine, as well as associated sensor, monitoring, and digitalization systems for the prototype. All this without neglecting the biological and environmental aspects of the action plan and monitoring that will be launched to assess environmental impact and any necessary mitigation, as well as Consulta Europa, a local development agency responsible for connecting the Canary Islands with Europe.

During the week of March 1st, the section of the prototype that will develop fish production led by the Aquaculture Research Group (GIA) of the University Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (ECOAQUA) of ULPGC, as indicated by GIA Director Juan Manuel Afonso, was installed in the water sheet of the port of Taliarte (Telde), destined for R&D&I operations. Likewise, shortly, the launch of the W2Power prototype by EnerOcean will take place at the ASTICAN facilities, which have been modified according to the project’s needs.

Subsequently, the prototype will be taken to the PLOCAN test bench, where engineering tests combining the two structures will begin, providing the first real data from the testing campaign to evaluate the behaviour of the structure and the environmental impact in the surrounding maritime space. This will be complemented by the additional work of the Portuguese project partners, represented by the company WAVEC.

Before the start of these tests and for several months, digital twins simulating the conditions of both structures were modelled and generated, a task carried out by the French partners of the company Innosea in collaboration with EnerOcean and ULPGC. Equally important is the assessment of the project’s socio-economic dimension, where the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster has conducted extensive consultations with different sectors and stakeholders to collect perceptions about the activity and the impact that this initiative and its commercial development can generate in the Canary Islands blue economy industry. In this same vein, the PLOCAN team is developing an economic model projecting the profitability perspective of the multi-purpose facilities.

FINAL CONFERENCE: “IDEAHL, EU Digital Health Literacy Strategy Project”

Posted on 6 March, 2024 by communication

On March 6, 2024, the final conference of our Horizon Europe IDEAHL “EU Digital Health Literacy Strategy” project took place at the European Parliament in Brussels. At the conference, the outcomes of the project were discussed, emphasising the impact of digital education on the promotion of healthier and more active lifestyles among citizens across Europe.

Within the IDEAHL project, our team from Consulta Europa is the leader of Work Package 2 (WP2) on co-creation of solutions for the improvement of the digital health literacy (dHL) levels of EU citizens. Particularly, Consulta Europa led the development and implementation of a sound co-creation methodology for the organisation of project co-creation exercises across the 10 project countries. Over 1,400 citizens and professionals were engaged in IDEAHL co-creation across 19 different target groups and through the organisation of an overall 140 co-creation sessions.

Co-creation entailed a wide range of stakeholders, from policymakers to healthcare professionals and students, informal caregivers, social agents, and a variety of citizen groups, including, among others, young women, senior people, children, migrants, and prisoners.

The co-creation experience was target- and result-oriented to feed the development of the main expected outcome of the IDEAHL project, the EU dHL Strategy. This strategy offers detailed directions for enhancing digital health literacy for the entire population. It emphasises health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, self-management, and monitoring of the effects on quality of life, well-being, productivity, and the economy. It also addresses geographical, social, and economic factors that contribute to inequalities in digital health literacy.

The strategy is the result of a synergy between different organisations and experts who share a single goal: to provide individuals with the tools they need to access, understand, and effectively use health information from digital sources. The strategy focuses on several key areas, such as training and skills development, content and curriculum creation, evaluation and monitoring, policy and strategy development, access to and understanding of information, critical evaluation, and application. These elements form the foundation of digital health literacy and are essential to enabling individuals to become informed and aware users of digital health resources.

Within the Final Conference of the IDEAHL project, Consulta Europa had its own space, where our Managing Director Beatrice Avagnina coordinated an interesting panel on ‘WP2 Co-Creation Activities for the EU Strategy’. Moreover, our ethics expert, Dr. Carina Dantas, participated in another panel of the event, presenting the work implemented under Work Package 4, focusing on ethics, privacy, and social inclusion for dHL.

The conference was an engaging and stimulating occasion with outstanding speakers, a way to share the important results the project managed to achieve, and a way to network with like-minded individuals sharing ideas and exploring possibilities for collaboration and future exploitation of the outcomes.

The Power of Multi-Actor Projects in Horizon Europe

Posted on 1 March, 20241 March, 2024 by communication

Embarking on a Journey of Collaboration, Innovation, and Real-world Impact

In the realm of Horizon Europe, the multi-actor approach (MAA) stands as a beacon of collaborative innovation, a methodology where diverse stakeholders unite to co-create solutions addressing the genuine needs and challenges faced by farmers, foresters, and rural communities. This paradigm shift towards a more demand-driven, reliable, and socially relevant Research and Innovation (R&I) process is evident in the Horizon-funded multi-actor projects, which are forging new paths in the interactive innovation model.

Understanding the Multi-Actor Approach

At its core, the multi-actor approach is an interactive innovation model that brings together actors with complementary backgrounds and expertise. This holistic engagement involves researchers, farmers, foresters, advisors, businesses, consumer associations, and more, creating a dynamic collaboration that spans the entire project lifecycle. The approach is deeply embedded in the fabric of Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6 Work Programme, exemplifying a form of responsible R&I that resonates with society’s needs.

The Interactive Innovation Model in Action

The interactive innovation model is not a theoretical construct but a living, breathing entity manifesting in various Horizon-funded initiatives, including thematic projects, advisory networks, living labs, and CAP-funded Operational Groups (OG). These projects are not merely research endeavours; they are co-creative processes that emphasise tacit knowledge, real-world needs, and the active participation of practitioners.

Building Blocks for Success: Key Actors in Multi-Actor Projects

In a multi-actor project, success hinges on the genuine and sufficient involvement of a diverse array of stakeholders, each playing a crucial role. These actors include researchers, farmers, foresters, advisors, businesses, and even local communities and citizens. The goal is not merely to disseminate results but to ensure a co-creation process where practical and local knowledge converge with entrepreneurial skills to develop solutions. This collaborative effort accelerates the acceptance and uptake of new ideas, approaches, and solutions.

Evolution under Horizon Europe

Under Horizon Europe, the multi-actor approach has undergone reinforcement, with revised and simplified definitions and requirements. It has also expanded its scope to cover all sectors under Cluster 6, including agriculture, forestry, rural areas, food, bioeconomy, environment, fisheries, and aquaculture. In the two consecutive Cluster 6 work programmes, 44% of the topics required multi-actor engagement, showcasing a commitment to this collaborative model.

Crucial Requirements for Multi-Actor Project Proposals

Detailed requirements for multi-actor project proposals are outlined in the Horizon Europe work programme. Proposals must meticulously demonstrate their alignment with the needs of end-users, the balanced composition of relevant key actors, the use of existing practices and tacit knowledge, and the facilitation of the multi-actor engagement process. The emphasis is placed on generating practical and ready-to-use knowledge that can be easily understood and freely accessed.

EU-Wide Communication through Practice Abstracts

To ensure widespread communication, areas related to the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) specific objectives must be summarised in ‘practice abstracts.’ These abstracts, following the EIP-AGRI format, act as conduits for sharing knowledge on agriculture, forestry, and rural development across the EU.

Multi-actor projects in Horizon Europe are not just projects; they are collaborative journeys that bridge the gap between research and practice, creating tangible solutions for the challenges faced by our agricultural and rural communities. The era of interactive innovation has dawned, and with it comes a promise of a more responsive, practical, and impactful future for European research and innovation.

EU Funding: Six Essential Insights from the European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Posted on 19 February, 202421 February, 2024 by communication

Applying for European Union (EU) funding can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it becomes a rewarding journey. The European Research Executive Agency (REA) offers valuable insights to ensure applicants are well-prepared at every step. Here are six crucial things to know before diving into the world of EU funding:

1. Who Can Apply?

EU funding is designed for collaborative efforts, requiring a team of at least three partner organisations from different EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. One of these partners must hail from an EU country. The list of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe serves as a handy reference to confirm partner eligibility. Depending on the specific call, applicants should include diverse stakeholders such as universities, SMEs, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. Some calls even necessitate a multi-actor approach, emphasising the involvement of various stakeholders.

Find out more about who should apply on the REA website.

2. Join the Info Days

Participating in Horizon Europe Info Days is a golden opportunity to delve into the topics earmarked for funding. These events, coupled with Brokerage Events, offer a chance to network and form or join a consortium for EU funding applications. REA organises Info Days covering specific Horizon Europe topics, and attendance or viewing of recordings is highly encouraged.

Stay updated on upcoming Info Days through the REA events calendar and register to attend or watch recordings.

3. Discover the DOs and DON’Ts

Crafting a successful project proposal demands meticulous planning, accurate budgeting, and seamless collaboration. REA provides a comprehensive list of Dos and Don’ts to guide applicants in preparing a high-quality proposal. Avoiding common mistakes is essential for a smooth application process.

Check out the Dos and Don’ts on the REA website.

4. Follow Open Science Principles

Open Science is a cornerstone of research under Horizon Europe, emphasising the early and wide dissemination of knowledge, results, and tools. Compliance with open access and open data principles is mandatory. EU-funded project data must adhere to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable).

Read the Q&A page on Open Science for guidance on complying with open access, open data, and Intellectual Property Rights.

5. Support Gender Equality

Gender Equality is not just a consideration but a ranking criterion in Horizon Europe. Gender Equality Plans are mandatory for higher education establishments, research organisations, and public bodies applying for the program. Integrating gender aspects is now a requirement in all research and innovation projects unless explicitly specified otherwise.

Access the information package and Q&A series on gender equality to align with Horizon Europe funding principles.

6. Plan the 3 Essentials: Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation

Visibility is key to the success of EU-funded projects. Communication activities inform and promote project activities and results, while dissemination and exploitation activities make knowledge publicly available and facilitate concrete utilisation of results. Compliance with these activities is a legal obligation under the grant agreement.

Plan your Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation activities in line with your grant agreement obligations.

For those seeking more information, stay updated on upcoming funding opportunities, timelines, specific advice, news, and events in the Research and Innovation world by visiting the REA website. The path to EU funding becomes more manageable with the guidance provided by the European Research Executive Agency, or just simply contact us, and we will guide you all the way through the process.

Empowering Youth in EU Outermost Regions: YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS Launches Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Development

Posted on 9 February, 2024 by communication

In a bid to address the unique challenges faced by the approximately five million European Union citizens residing in the outermost regions, YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS has embarked on a mission to empower the youth in these distant areas. Spanning the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Caribbean Sea, and South America, these regions are integral to the EU but grapple with issues such as remoteness, insularity, small size, challenging topography, and susceptibility to extreme weather events.

To address these challenges, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive strategy in May 2022 titled “Putting People First, Securing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, Unlocking the Potential of the EU’s Outermost Regions.” The strategy aims to enhance the quality of life in these regions while promoting sustainable recovery and growth.

As part of this broader initiative, the YOUTH4ORs project has been developed, aligning with the European Year of Youth (2022). The European Year of Youth underscored the significance of engaging and supporting young people to become active and informed citizens.

The YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS project is co-funded by the European Union and carried out by SERN. SERN is a European network of regional stakeholders working to foster a culture of social and economic innovation. YOUTH4ORs focuses on providing financial support for youth-led initiatives within the outermost regions through the launch of two calls for action. The project encourages young individuals or teams, as well as organisations working with young people, to propose actions aimed at enhancing their local communities or regions. This encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, allowing for a diverse range of proposals that address the specific needs and aspirations of these regions.

Young changemakers are invited to apply for financial support to bring their ideas to life and contribute to the overall development and well-being of their communities. To learn more about the initiative and to submit proposals, interested individuals and organisations can visit YOUTH4ORs’ official website.

YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS is poised to play a crucial role in fostering positive change, empowering the youth, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development in the outermost regions of the European Union.

Successful Launch of the Rural Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to EU Funding for Rural Development in the European Union

Posted on 6 February, 20246 February, 2024 by communication

In a stride towards fostering rural development, the European Union has successfully launched the Rural Toolkit today, February 6, 2024. This comprehensive guide serves as an invaluable resource for local authorities, institutions, stakeholders, businesses, and individuals, providing crucial information on EU funding and support opportunities tailored specifically for rural areas within the European Union.

Key Features of the Rural Toolkit:

The Rural Toolkit boasts a funding finder, a user-friendly platform that allows users to explore various financing opportunities. Additionally, the resources section includes detailed guides on EU funding opportunities available from 2021 to 2027, focusing on sectors such as broadband, culture, education, energy, environment, and tourism.

The toolkit aims to guide rural communities in implementing integrated strategies and projects, such as Community-led local development (CLLDs) and Integrated territorial investments (ITIs). By doing so, it facilitates the design and execution of initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by rural areas.

How the Rural Toolkit is Helpful:

The toolkit acts as a unique entry point for all existing initiatives, offering comprehensive information on available resources and explaining their relevance to rural areas. Practical examples featured on the platform encourage knowledge sharing and peer learning among rural communities. The “Get Inspired” section provides insights into successful initiatives implemented in rural areas across the EU, illustrating effective combinations of EU funds to maximise impact and address specific local needs.

Equipped with handbooks and guidance on EU funding opportunities, the toolkit empowers users and applicants with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the distinctive challenges faced by rural areas. It encourages an effective, integrated, and place-based approach to rural development.

Funding Opportunities Categorised:

The toolkit serves as a gateway to various EU Funding and Financing initiatives, categorised into three main groups:

EU initiatives – direct application
EU initiatives – application via national or regional authorities
Financial Instruments

Why a Funding Guide for Rural Areas:

Although not explicitly designed for rural development, many EU funding programmes and initiatives play a crucial role in revitalising and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. However, identifying the right source of funding and understanding how to make the best use of it can be challenging.

The Rural Toolkit aims to streamline this process, serving as a guide for local institutions, businesses, associations, and individuals in rural areas. By navigating the diverse EU funding and support options, the toolkit empowers stakeholders to take full advantage of the available resources.

The Rural Toolkit aligns with the European Commission’s long-term vision for stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous rural areas in the EU. It exemplifies how initiatives and practices supported by EU funding schemes and policies can contribute to the revitalization of rural communities and territories.

Explore the digital toolkit here: https://funding.rural-vision.europa.eu/?lng=en

ATHENAs’ 4th newsletter is ONLINE!

Posted on 2 February, 20242 February, 2024 by communication

We are glad to announce that the 4th newsletter of the ATHENAs’ project is now online.

Read the newsletter here 👉 https://www.athenaequality.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ATHENA-Newsletter_issue_04_v3.pdf

ATHENA is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, focused on Gender Equality.

The newsletter summarises the activities implemented during the past months, such as the Webinar on “Synergies among R&I organisations and policy makers for gender equality”, Athena’s participation in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Athena’s Consortium meeting and the 3rd Mutual Learning Workshop in Ponta Delgada, Azores, an article on empowering Gender Equality Good Practices in European Research Institution, few interesting documents published on Gender Equality and the list of Future events on Gender Equality.

Discover, engage, and be part of the gender equality movement!

ATHENA project – implementing gender equality plans to unlock research potential of RPOs and RFOs in Europe

Posted on 29 January, 20241 February, 2024 by communication

In the framework of the ATHENA project, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the 3rd Mutual Learning Workshop was held in the Azores (Portugal) on the 16^th of January. Athenas’ project involves 6 Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and 2 Research Funding Organisations (RFOs), in the development and implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) to generate systemic institutional changes.

During the event the project partners have met to share their experience with the implementation of the Gender Equality Plan so far and with the collection of monitoring data.

The event was opened by Dr. Michelle Perello, project coordinator at Consulta Europa, who emphasised how the ATHENA project made a difference in the adoption of the Gender Equality Plan and who underlined the positive relationship between gender equality and the research and innovation performance of research organisations and countries.

This was followed by speeches from the other project partners, who showed their satisfaction with the results achieved through ATHENA and presented the main lessons learnt, emphasising the importance of respecting the GEP as an essential tool to correct gender gaps at university.

After the individual presentations, a discussion between the partners was then initiated, focusing on the sustainability of the plans and the replicability of the measures included in the plans.

It was remarked how some gender mechanisms in academia meritocracy are still “invisible” and how the trainings and focus groups implemented during the project were helpful to highlight those dynamics.

The discussion was very fruitful and was not limited to the gender gap: it also touched upon the concept of intersectionality, which is essential to understand how different forms of oppression can interact and add up, leading to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. All partners acknowledge that hardly any measures have been devoted to this aspect in their current GEPs: the next important step is to consider intersectionality in future GEPs, for further inclusiveness and equity.

Erasmus+ Project CARE4YOUTH Begins: Transforming Lives through Inclusion and Outdoor Sports

Posted on 23 November, 202323 February, 2024 by communication

The CARE4YOUTH Project, co-financed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, aims to enhance the lives of young people at risk of social exclusion.

CARE4YOUTH, an acronym for “inclusion for youth through non-formal education, leisure, and outdoor sports,” has embarked on a promising journey towards a better future for a group of young people facing the risk of social exclusion, such as those from low-income backgrounds, disadvantaged ethnic or racial backgrounds, or those who have prematurely left the education system. On September 25, 2023, the first international meeting took place, gathering enthusiastic representatives from various participating organisations in this significant initiative from Spain, Serbia, and Italy.

The CARE4YOUTH Project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, aims to improve the lives of these young people. On the one hand, it provides outdoor sports and leisure activities to enhance their health and emotional well-being. On the other hand, it focuses on improving their employability and skills through non-formal education, all aimed at fostering active citizenship and social inclusion. At the same time, CARE4YOUTH represents a unique collaboration between various organisations committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society.

The consortium is composed of four institutions:

Coordinator: Escafandra Diving Club (Spain), a non-profit sports entity in the Canary Islands that engages in sea-related leisure activities, such as diving experiences, aiming to promote social inclusion through sports and contact with nature.
PRISM Impresa Sociale S.R.L. (Italy) is a non-profit social enterprise based in Palermo with the mission of creating equal opportunities.
JUMP (SKOK UDRUZENJE) (Serbia) is a youth association in Prijepolje supporting the development of vital skills for young people through community building.
Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation (Spain) is a SME located in the Canary Islands, specialising in research, innovation, and education projects and promoting European solutions for local issues.

The first meeting commenced with partner introductions, fostering a sense of collaboration and unity among the diverse organizations. Following this, the project overview was presented, outlining CARE4YOUTH’s objectives. Participants emphasised the project’s essential components, concluding the meeting with a roadmap for the upcoming implementation steps.

CARE4YOUTH’s main objectives include a holistic approach to help these young people strengthen their self-esteem and emotional well-being. This involves building positive social relationships through various outdoor sports and leisure activities (including scuba diving, volleyball, and hiking). The project also aims to enhance the youths’ skills by providing opportunities for non-formal education and imparting crucial digital and entrepreneurial competencies for their future.

In the coming months, each participating organisation will conduct an analysis of local needs, existing tools, and approaches to support social inclusion. This will serve as the foundation for creating workshop and activity methodologies. Simultaneously, key stakeholders, including young people and social workers, will be identified to participate in this phase of the project. Furthermore, a workshop at PRISM’s headquarters in Palermo, Italy, next year promises to expand the project’s impact during the co-creation process of the applicable methodology.

Erasmus Success Story Shared by Beatrice Avagnina at the EEN Annual Conference 2023

Posted on 20 November, 202320 November, 2023 by communication

In a captivating address at the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Annual Conference 2023 held in Bilbao, Spain, Beatrice Avagnina, Managing Director at Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation (CE), shared her inspiring journey of post-Erasmus success. The conference, which took place on November 17, 2023, served as a prominent platform for industry leaders to discuss and emphasise the crucial role of European programmes in fostering cross-border collaboration.

Beatrice Avagnina’s insightful address shed light on the transformative power of European programmes, particularly her discovery through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme. She underscored the pivotal role played by EEN in expanding cross-border networks and creating invaluable business and funding opportunities.

During her presentation, Avagnina emphasised the critical need for promoting closer synergies between EYE and EEN, citing their highly complementary scopes and activities. Her address aimed to inspire stakeholders to foster collaboration between these programmes to maximise their collective impact on empowering entrepreneurs and businesses.

Avagnina’s success story serves as a testament to the tangible benefits that arise when European programmes are strategically interconnected. Her journey, from the Erasmus programme to the Enterprise Europe Network, exemplifies the potential for sustained and impactful growth when these connections are nurtured.

Since integrating with EEN, CE has experienced a multitude of advantages, including:

Networking and Business Contacts: EEN facilitated partner searches, enabling CE to establish and implement EU or regional projects.
Dissemination of Project Activities: EEN played a pivotal role in disseminating CE’s project activities and key results, enhancing visibility and impact on a broader scale.
Search for Funding Calls and Opportunities: EEN proved instrumental in assisting CE in identifying new funding calls and opportunities, contributing to their financial sustainability and growth.

Beatrice Avagnina’s address at the EEN Annual Conference 2023 serves as a rallying call for continued collaboration, urging stakeholders to recognise the interconnected nature of European programmes and leverage them collectively for the benefit of entrepreneurs and innovators. Her story resonates as an inspiring example of the positive outcomes that can arise from strategic engagement with European initiatives.

Unlocking Rural Potential: Highlights from the High-Level Policy Forum by the Rural Pact

Posted on 14 November, 202314 November, 2023 by communication

At the recent High-Level Rural Policy Forum convened in Sigüenza, Spain, the Rural Pact Community highlighted the critical need to streamline access to financial opportunities for local actors and communities. This strategic imperative seeks to empower these entities to realise their projects and aspirations, fostering a more unified and comprehensive development of rural territories with a strong emphasis on inclusivity.

A noteworthy initiative in this direction is the Rural Toolkit for EU funding, a collaborative endeavour between DG REGIO and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, operating under the Rural Action Plan. This tool, currently under development, is poised to play a pivotal role in assisting rural actors in effectively accessing and utilising EU funds. Crafted to offer practical guidance, tools, and best practices, its goal is to elevate the territorial development of rural areas in alignment with the objectives outlined in the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas.

The High-Level Rural Policy Forum, attended by over 200 participants representing all EU Member States, served as a dynamic platform to advance the political agenda for the future of rural areas. The event united European and national high-level political representatives, including European Commissioners, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Secretaries of State, and senior managers responsible for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion Policy (CP).

The Forum fostered a structured dialogue to explore how EU policies and funds can be optimally deployed to realise the Rural Vision, aligning with the policy priorities of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU. Additionally, it sought to enhance the design of rural policies and encourage active participation within the framework of the Rural Pact. The discussions delved into improving multi-level governance frameworks, participatory structures, and avenues to amplify the voices of rural actors and stakeholders. The overarching goal was to identify pathways through which the Rural Pact can bring added value to rural development.

To delve into the nuanced insights and key messages from this significant event, a comprehensive report has been compiled. This report aims to contribute valuable perspectives to the conclusions of the Council of the EU on the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. For those eager to gain an in-depth understanding of the discussions and outcomes, the full report is available for download. It serves as an informative resource for stakeholders, policymakers, and anyone invested in the sustainable development of rural territories.

Call for Proposals Open for Conservation Actions in the EU Overseas

Posted on 31 October, 20232 November, 2023 by communication

The European Union’s initiative, BESTLIFE2030, has officially opened its doors to environmental champions and conservation enthusiasts in the EU Overseas. Consulta Europa, as the Regional Focal Point for Macaronesia, is leading the way in this programme, which aims to fund over 220 conservation projects over the next eight years, spanning six regions, including the breathtaking Macaronesia, encompassing the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira.

In the wake of the remarkable conservation successes accomplished by the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas (BEST), BESTLIFE2030 is thrilled to announce the launch of its first call for proposals on October 31, 2023. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve our planet’s natural heritage.

Why is this call significant?

Overseas entities, especially within the European Union, serve as the vanguard in safeguarding Europe’s biodiversity. The Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) house a staggering 80% of Europe’s biodiversity. As our planet’s biodiversity becomes more diverse and abundant, it also becomes more precious. Unfortunately, these overseas territories find themselves on the front lines of the ongoing climate crisis, facing unique challenges that require urgent attention and action.

The BEST initiative, which had humble beginnings in 2010 with a modest budget of EUR 2 million, has evolved into an integral part of the European Union’s Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). With BESTLIFE2030, the programme will disburse over 200 grants across the ORs and OCTs, boasting a substantial budget of EUR 23.2 million until 2030.

About the Programme

BEST has made significant strides since its inception, focusing on knowledge acquisition, promotion, and preservation of biodiversity within overseas entities. Local communities and grassroots organisations are the unsung heroes of this endeavour, and their contributions have earned unequivocal recognition and support from European Union representatives at the launch of BESTLIFE2030 in June 2023.

However, these local actors require more than just financial support. The recent Knowledge Sharing Journey, organised to reflect on the grant-making experience, revealed that project implementers also need networking opportunities, collaboration, lesson sharing, and communication support, all of which are core components of BESTLIFE2030.

The time has come to expedite the exchange of solutions and best practices, with a particular focus on fostering cooperation and integrating the ORs and OCTs into the broader conservation narrative.

If you aspire to join this crucial endeavour and become a prospective applicant for BESTLIFE2030, guidelines and application forms are accessible on the BESTLIFE2030 website here: https://bestlife2030.org/for-applicants/

Guidelines are now accessible here.

Join the Information Webinar for Macaronesian regions

In addition to the call for proposals, we invite you to participate in an Information Webinar designed for potential applicants from the Macaronesia region. This webinar will be held on November 14, at 11h00 am GMT and you can register through this form: https://forms.gle/Q7YWAhDR4t1WUdwa6

If you aspire to be part of this crucial conservation effort and become a prospective applicant for BESTLIFE2030, we encourage you to read the detailed article linked here.

To ensure that your project complements previous BEST-funded initiatives and avoids duplication of activities, please visit the relevant sections of the LIFE4BEST and BEST2.0+ websites.

Your expertise and dedication to conservation can significantly contribute to the success of BESTLIFE2030. We look forward to meet you in the webinar and to hear about your potential involvement in this important conservation initiative.

Interested in submitting a project proposal? Contact bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com for more information and to get involved in preserving the incredible biodiversity of the EU Overseas.

IDEAHL first pilot action in Spain

Posted on 24 October, 2023 by communication

We are glad to announce that the first activity of the Spanish pilots foreseen within the IDEAHL project will begin on 30^th October 2023.

In the framework of this pilot, a dedicated capacity building action – titled ‘Actívate Por tu Salud On-line’ (Take action for your health online) – will be offered by the IDEAHL Coordinator – the Asturias’ Regional Ministry of Health to carers and people suffering from a chronic illness or at risk of suffering from it, although those who wish to acquire self-care tools can also benefit from it.

This training action is based on a self-care education programme so that people suffering from a chronic illness or people responsible for their care, or in general, anyone interested in healthy lifestyle habits, can acquire tools to improve their health and lifestyles habits.

The programme will be held entirely online, without timetables, with connection availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information, you can watch the following videos that will inform about the usefulness of the activity and the experience of some of the people who participated in previous similar editions:

The start date of the training activity is 30th October 2023, and the total duration will be 6 weeks.