The EXPER (Excellent Peripheries for a Strong European Research Area) Summer School, held from July 17 to 19 at the NEXO Building of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), concluded with great success, leaving a significant impact on attendees and the research community.

Over three intensive days, more than 90 participants, including researchers, academics, and representatives from companies and institutions, immersed themselves in a programme designed to enhance the drafting of successful projects and promote excellent research and disruptive innovation. The initiative, part of the EXPER project, aimed to equip attendees with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage funding opportunities offered by Horizon Europe (HE), the European Research Council (ERC), and the European Innovation Council (EIC).

The inaugural day began with a welcome reception and institutional presentation by Sebastián López, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer at ULPGC. The morning session included a detailed presentation of the EXPER project’s Working Groups’ action plans on social challenges, followed by talks on EU missions related to climate change adaptation and the restoration of oceans and water bodies.

Consulta Europa was one of the main contributors on the first day, organising a training session on European project writing and its impact. Led by Beatrice Avagnina, Managing Director at Consulta Europa, the activities included a practical workshop with 60 participants and the analysis of two ongoing European project calls. Seven groups were formed, and, with the support of facilitators from the EXPER member organisations, participants had the opportunity to practically configure a project proposal. They learned how to form a consortium and identify relevant stakeholders for the specific type of call, addressing the call with specific objectives and work packages to enhance the project’s research goals.

The second day focused on the European Research Council (ERC), starting with an introduction to the ERC programme and its evaluation process, led by David Alcántara Parra from SACSIS. The training included practical workshops for preparing research proposals and an inspiring session with Jonathan Alberto Santana Cabrera, who presented a success story from ULPGC.

Ignacio Gárate Alarcón concluded the day with a keynote on Open Science and Research Evaluation in the Spanish context, addressing crucial topics such as the Science Law and the National Open Science Strategy.

The final day was dedicated to the European Innovation Council (EIC) and its Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator programs. Isabel Vinagre from SILO Science & Innovation Link provided key insights for accessing these EIC funding programmes, followed by an inspiring presentation by Roberto Pangallo, Project Manager at Wooptix, on the success of this start-up in securing significant funding via the EIC Accelerator.

The day ended with a session on the Widening Programme, presented by Anselmo Sosa, National Contact Point of the EU in the Canary Islands for this programme, highlighting opportunities to harmonise research and innovation capacities across Europe.

The EXPER Summer School not only provided valuable learning and networking opportunities but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and project proposals. Participants received certificates of participation, and those with promising project proposals will receive continuous support until March 2025.

Gran Canaria, Spain. On June 4 and 11, Consulta Europa successfully conducted two training sessions as part of the course “Training in the Development and Management of European Projects.” Organised by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) in collaboration with the European Projects Office of the Canary Islands Foundation for Science and Technology Park of ULPGC (FCPCT), 2024, by our CEO, Michelle Perello.

The 12-hour course covered both theoretical and practical topics, providing comprehensive insights into various European funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, LIFE, Citizens, Equality, the Rights and Values Programme, the Creative Programme, and Interreg.

Key areas of focus included:

• Methodology for project development and management
• Criteria and processes for project evaluation
• Strategies to enhance participation
• Project objectives
• Work plan structure
• Consortium description
• Budget structure

Participants also engaged in a proposal development laboratory, where they learned how to search for calls, identify and analyse annex documents, draft objectives and competence maps, structure work plans, tasks, deliverables, and milestones, and conduct joint project evaluations.

The course aimed to expand the knowledge and skills of ULPGC’s research community, enabling them to participate in and lead European-funded research projects. This initiative is part of the activities under the LidERA OPE-ULPGC Project: “Training for Leadership in the European Research Area” (Ref: GPE2022-001124). Funded by the State Research Agency, LidERA’s primary objective is to increase the participation of ULPGC’s research community in European Framework Programmes, particularly Horizon Europe, and to improve national return rates in these programmes.

The successful completion of these training sessions marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of researchers at ULPGC, positioning them to secure and manage European research funding more effectively.

In the face of climate change, insular regions are on the frontline, grappling with unprecedented impacts on their fragile ecosystems, rich in endemic species critical to global biodiversity. However, amidst these challenges, opportunities arise to strengthen these territories through tangible Nature-based Solutions and regional climate adaptation strategies.

Shedding light on these pathways, Consulta Europa as the Macaronesia Regional Hub of the BESTLIFE2030 programme participated in the CPMR Islands Commission’s General Assembly, held on the 23rd and 24th of April in Ponta Delgada (Azores), focusing on three key topics.

Empowering territorial governments

The programme recognised the vital role of territorial governments in supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. By engaging local authorities and stakeholders, BESTLIFE2030 taps into their expertise, enhancing the prospects for long-term sustainability. This collaborative approach guides the implementation of targeted conservation measures tailored to each region’s specific needs.

Biodiversity and climate change

The nexus between biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation is undeniable. As ecosystems face unprecedented threats, safeguarding biodiversity becomes paramount in adapting to the impacts of climate change in insular regions. BESTLIFE2030 represents a promising initiative, offering a responsive mechanism to adapt to these challenges head-on. By prioritising biodiversity conservation, the programme not only safeguards ecosystems and human well-being but also enhances resilience to climate change, benefiting both present and future generations.

Getting hands-on

Examples of potential projects put forward within the Macaronesia regions by BESTLIFE2030 were promoted at the event serving as compelling case studies to highlight the programme’s efficacy in addressing regional biodiversity challenges. For instance, it was presented how BESTLIFE2030 can the preservation of marine ecosystems through habitat mapping, biodiversity data collection, and environmental impact assessments in the Macaronesian regions (Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira).

In conclusion, BESTLIFE2030 underscores the pivotal role of insular governments in biodiversity conservation. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, the programme not only tackles regional biodiversity challenges but also lays the groundwork for context-appropriate and effective responses.

On May 7th, a milestone in the fight against discrimination within the European Union occurred as the Council formally adopted two directives aimed at enhancing the role and effectiveness of equality bodies across member states.

Equality bodies, established to promote equal treatment, combat discrimination, and aid victims, will see their capabilities significantly bolstered under the new directives. These directives introduce EU-wide minimum requirements that ensure these bodies operate with enhanced competence and greater independence.

Key Provisions of the New Directives:

1. Enhanced Competences: Equality bodies will have expanded authority to address discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation in employment, as well as sex-based discrimination in social security.
2. Independence: There is now a legal mandate ensuring equality bodies remain free from external influences, allowing them to operate impartially and effectively.
3. Resource Allocation: Member states are required to provide equality bodies with sufficient human, technical, and financial resources to fulfil their mandates.
4. Consultation and Prevention: Public institutions must consult equality bodies on discrimination-related matters. Equality bodies are empowered to carry out preventive measures and promote equal treatment through positive action and mainstreaming equality.
5. Increased Powers: These bodies are granted greater authority to conduct inquiries and engage in dispute resolution in line with national laws and practices.

The adoption of these directives is a crucial step towards harmonising the standards and operations of equality bodies across the EU, addressing the significant discrepancies that currently exist between member states.

Next Steps: Following the signing and publication in the EU’s Official Journal, member states will have two years to align their national legislation with the new directives.

Implications for the ATHENA Project: The directives are particularly significant for initiatives like the H2020 project ATHENA, coordinated by Consulta Europa, which aims to implement gender equality plans in research organisations across Europe. ATHENA focuses on eliminating barriers to the recruitment, retention, and career progression of female researchers and addressing gender imbalances in decision-making processes.

Michelle Perello, CEO at Consulta Europa and coordinator of the ATHENA Projects, expressed optimism about the directives: “We were all looking forward to the approval of these two directives, which will make the work of equality bodies more efficient and impactful. We hope now that member states will not delay too much in adopting and implementing them.”

For further details, visit the official press release: Strengthening the Role of Equality Bodies Across the EU: The Council Adopts Two Directives.

The Erasmus+ Care4Youth Project consortium meeting held in Palermo, Italy, from April 9th to April 11th, convened stakeholders from across Europe for a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices. 

Highlights of the event included focused working sessions on project management during the first day, with partners from Serbia, Spain, and Italy presenting comprehensive national reports on youth development and integration efforts. These reports emphasised both progress made and challenges faced in fostering inclusive environments for young people.

The second day featured a compelling study tour, where participants engaged with local stakeholders and explored innovative social projects like Molti-Volti and initiatives in the multicultural Ballaró neighborhood. The visit also celebrated the achievements of the Handala Mediterraneo Antirazzista organisation in promoting social integration.

The culmination of the meeting was a co-creation workshop at the European Palermo Youth Centre on the final day. Utilising Dixit cards to stimulate creativity, participants engaged in collaborative exercises such as brainstorming and mind mapping to design tailored training and sports programmes for youth in care.

The Palermo meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Eramus+ Care4Youth project partners and organisations to advancing intercultural integration and youth development in Europe. It served as a vital forum for fostering partnerships and innovative solutions, underscoring the ongoing dedication to creating inclusive opportunities for young people.

For more information about our initiative. Please visit our social media pages.

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.

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:

1. EU initiatives – direct application
2. EU initiatives – application via national or regional authorities
3. 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