Exploring the Charms of Iceland: A Glimpse into the Erasmus+ Project #EUROPE

From the 11th to the 13th of September, our journey took us to the picturesque town of Þingeyri, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Iceland. This adventure marked the second field visit of the Erasmus+ project #EUROPE, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Our gracious host, East of Moon, together with Associacio Uno, Poiomar, Absentia and Open Impact, extended their warm hospitality as we delved into the heart of Icelandic culture. Þingeyri, a remote gem of Iceland, welcomed us with open arms, offering a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in its rich heritage.

During our time in Þingeyri, we had the privilege of engaging in meaningful discussions and sharing invaluable experiences with our project partners. We explored the intricacies of European rural and remote territories, shedding light on both the advantages and challenges they face. This exchange of insights was not only enlightening but also reinforced the sense of unity that the Erasmus+ project #EUROPE aims to foster.

As we bid farewell to Iceland, we carry with us the memories of its breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people. Our journey doesn’t end here, though. In November, it will be our turn to play host, as we eagerly await our project partners on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria.

The Erasmus+ project #EUROPE continues to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and create lasting bonds among diverse regions of Europe. Our adventure in Iceland was a testament to the power of international cooperation and the beauty of exploring remote corners of our continent.

Iceland, you’ve been more than real – you’ve been inspiring. Until we meet again on Gran Canaria, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the hospitality we experienced in this land of fire and ice.

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Consulta Europa Celebrates UK’s Return to Horizon Europe and Copernicus

Consulta Europa is delighted to announce a momentous development in EU-UK relations. On September 7th, the European Commission and the United Kingdom reached a crucial political agreement concerning the UK’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme, and Copernicus, the EU’s renowned Earth observation initiative.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasised, “The EU and UK are key strategic partners and allies, and today’s agreement proves that point. We will continue to be at the forefront of global science and research.”

This mutually agreed-upon solution, crafted after extensive negotiations, promises substantial benefits to both parties. It deepens collaboration in research, innovation, and space, uniting the research and space communities.

The agreement is fully in line with the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The UK will make a financial contribution to the EU budget, subject to the safeguards outlined in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. On average, the UK is expected to contribute almost €2.6 billion annually to both Horizon Europe and the Copernicus component of the Space Programme.

Commencing January 1, 2024, researchers and organisations in the UK will have equal access to Horizon Europe funding, aligning them with EU Member States in tackling global challenges, including climate, energy, mobility, digitalization, industry, space, health, and more.

Association with Copernicus grants the UK strategic participation in a space programme renowned for its state-of-the-art Earth monitoring capabilities, crucial to advancing the European Green Deal and net-zero objectives. The UK will also gain access to services from the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking programme.

The next step for this historic agreement is approval by the Council before formal adoption by the EU-UK Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes.

This milestone builds on the foundation laid by the Windsor Framework Agreement earlier this year, signifying a new chapter in the EU-UK partnership grounded in mutual trust and complete cooperation.

For further information, please refer to the joint statement by the European Commission and the UK Government.

Consulta Europa is the ‘Regional Focal Point’ of the Macaronesia region for BESTLIFE2030

Consulta Europa is the ‘Regional Focal Point’ of the Macaronesia region (Azores, Canary, Islands, and Madeira) for the newly launched BESTLIFE2030 Programme, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This EU-funded initiative aims to promote biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of ecosystem services, including ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The programme will provide funding to projects located in Outermost Regions (ORs) and associated Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), grouped into six regions across the world:

  • Amazonia: French Guiana.
  • Caribbean: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Saint-Eustache, Sint-Maarten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélémy.
  • Indian Ocean: Réunion, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Lands – Scattered Islands, Austral Islands and Adélie Land.
  • Macaronesia: Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands.
  • Pacific: New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, French Polynesia.
  • North Atlantic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Greenland.

BESTLIFE2030 will last 8 years and is expected to launch 4 calls for proposals to award 220+ project grants (100K max, 5% co-financing).

Soon we will release more information about the first call for applications on our Consulta Europa’s website and social media channels. You can also consult the official BELIST2030 website and sign up to their newsletter to stay tuned for more updates!

Tips for Effective EU Project Communication: Navigating the Social Media Jungle

In today’s world, communication is more critical than ever, especially for EU-funded projects. Effective communication, along with the dissemination and exploitation of results, is not just a contractual obligation but also a means to give these projects the visibility they need. It helps reach a wide array of stakeholders, informs society about project relevance, shares research progress, fosters collaboration opportunities, and opens new market avenues. While having a dedicated project website is a well-established requirement, the European Commission (EC) has increasingly encouraged the use of social media for EU project communication in recent years. Here is some guidance on where to begin:

The Social Media Landscape

As of January 2022, a staggering 58.4% of the global population actively used social media for an average of 2.5 hours a day. Social media platforms have become sprawling jungles of content, constantly growing and evolving. For EU projects, navigating this jungle is essential to connecting with stakeholders, but it can also be a challenging task.

Define a Strategy

Just as with developing a Plan for Dissemination and Exploitation including Communication activities (PDEC), the first step in using social media effectively is to plan and prepare by defining a strategy. The project’s social media strategy should align with the overall communication strategy outlined in the PDEC. This strategy should consider the project’s objectives, key messages, and activities, with roles and responsibilities clearly defined. Input and support from all project partners, who may be more familiar with certain social media platforms, can be invaluable. It’s also wise to plan initial activities around standard project-related topics such as partner profiles, open positions, new team members, event participation, publications, and public deliverables.

Choosing the Right Platform

With over 17 social media platforms boasting more than 300 million monthly active users each, selecting the right platform is crucial. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are among the leaders, each with a different user focus and demographic. When choosing platforms, consider your project’s stakeholders and your partners’ social media preferences. Leveraging platforms familiar to your partners makes it easier for them to share content, which can rapidly expand your project’s reach. Additionally, it’s essential to match the platform to your content and project stage. For instance, Facebook may be effective for recruiting patients for a clinical trial, while Instagram or YouTube might better reach high school students with educational material.

Connect, Engage, and Exchange

Building a community on social media involves more than one-way communication. It’s about connecting, engaging, and exchanging. Start by connecting with project partners and key stakeholders. Engage with other EU-funded projects in similar fields, relevant companies, associations, events, conferences, and journals. Leverage hashtags and tags to make your content discoverable. Ask questions, comment on relevant posts, and use messaging functions where available. Engaging with others helps you understand stakeholders’ needs and broadens your reach.

Content Is Key

The quality of your content is paramount. In a forthcoming blog post, we will share tips and examples of how to create engaging content for EU-funded projects. Creating content that resonates with your audience is essential for maintaining and growing your connections.

Stay Tuned for More

Our communication team is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge. In the coming months, we will publish a series of blog posts offering guidance and tips for communication, dissemination, and exploitation of research and innovation projects. As leaders in communication for numerous Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects, we have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share. Stay tuned, and reach out for more information.

Additional Resources from the European Commission

In addition to the guidance provided in this blog post, the European Research Executive Agency (REA) offers valuable tips and resources for Horizon Europe projects on setting up and managing their social media presence. Be sure to stay updated on these resources by visiting their website here, following them on Twitter (now known as X), and connecting with them on LinkedIn.

Comprehensive Communication Guide

For a more comprehensive guide on communication for research projects, the EC has put together a dedicated resource. This resource includes informative videos explaining why effective communication is crucial for projects as well as six practical tips on how to improve your communication efforts.

Dissemination and Exploitation

Don’t forget to explore the EC’s materials on dissemination and exploitation. These resources are designed to help you maximise the impact of your research by effectively disseminating and exploiting your project’s results.

As you embark on your journey through the social media jungle and work to communicate the significance of your Horizon Europe project, these additional resources from the European Commission can be invaluable tools. Stay tuned for more updates and tips to enhance your project’s communication efforts.

RMIT University Launches Global Health Literacy Atlas within the IDEAHL Project Framework

Researchers from RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) have contributed to mapping digital health literacy in Europe, a crucial step toward shaping policies and practices across the region.

This initiative has taken place within the framework of the IDEAHL project, in which Consulta Europa actively participates. The project consortium, in collaboration with RMIT University’s research team in Australia and their Europe-based innovation center, has developed a user-friendly atlas for consolidating and visualizing health-related data found on the internet.

Known as the Global Health Literacy Atlas (GALH), this online tool is groundbreaking, offering interactive data that displays levels of health literacy and digital health literacy sourced from evidence-based studies conducted with citizens, patients, and healthcare professionals worldwide.

The international team involved in the EU-funded research program “Enhancing Digital Empowerment for Active and Healthy Living” (IDEAHL) has analyzed over 12,000 studies and examples of best practices. After collaborating with stakeholders in the health and technology sectors, they selected 450 examples of best practices from the past five years.

Subsequently, RMIT researchers worked in conjunction with the geospatial mapping company dMap to compile and visualize complex data into an easily accessible interactive map. This map not only allows for the download of raw data but also provides a list of resources related to initiatives, interventions, practices, and policies.

The emergence of this atlas addresses the current need for fast and reliable access to health data on the internet, as stated by Dr. Gabriela Irrazabal, Associate Researcher in Digital Health at RMIT Europe.

“While some websites provide links to health and digital health literacy studies, extracting and compiling data from multiple sources is time-consuming. Our atlas streamlines this process for users, presenting information in a way that is quickly and easily accessible,” she explained.

This recent European collaboration through the IDEAHL project lays the groundwork for future research: Butler-Henderson, Director of the RMIT Digital Health Hub, and her team are seeking funding to replicate the study in Australia.

While their initial focus was on Europe, the RMIT team is currently collaborating with the IDEAHL consortium to plan the global expansion of the atlas and incorporate other forms of health literacy, such as mental health and financial literacy.

The Global Health Literacy Atlas can be accessed at https://www.rmit.eu/galh 

Learn more about the IDEAHL project here.

Discover PM² the EU’s Key to Project Management Excellence

Back in 2008, the European Union introduced its very own project management methodology, which has evolved into a widely embraced tool for both private and public organisations. Its popularity stems from four fundamental reasons: it’s open to all, easy to implement, based on decades of experience, and applicable to all kinds of projects.

In the next few minutes, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about PM², its key advantages, its suitability for different projects and organisations, and how to master and adopt it effectively.

What is PM²?

PM², short for Project Management Methodology, is the brainchild of the European Commission. As the EU proudly proclaims, it’s “A Common Project Management Methodology for all EU Institutions, Member States, Suppliers, and Citizens of the European Union.”

At its core, PM² aims to provide simple and practical solutions to enhance organisations’ project and resource management. To achieve this, it incorporates a set of globally accepted best practices, described in international standards and methodologies like PMBOK-PMI, PRINCE2, and IPMA-ICBE. Of course, it also draws from the wealth of experience and rigour of the European Commission.

The PM² Methodology enhances project management effectiveness by:

  • Improving communication and information dissemination;
  • Clarifying project expectations quickly and at an early stage;
  • Defining the project lifecycle (from Initiation to Closure);
  • Providing guidelines for project planning;
  • Introducing monitoring and control activities;
  • Proposing management of activities and outcomes (plans, meetings, decisions);
  • Incorporating a link to agile practices (PM² Agile).

Who can benefit from PM²?

Initially designed to streamline the management and communication of European projects, avoiding duplicated efforts and divergent project management approaches, PM² has evolved into an “Open Initiative.” Today, it is available and useful for all types of projects, organisations, and professionals.

Advantages for European Programs and EU Services

PM² proves highly valuable in the preparation, presentation, and management of projects eligible for EU funding, as well as those involving services for European institutions.

Beyond enhancing communication, coordination, and project lifecycle management, PM² enjoys the extra support of the European Commission itself. The Commission has established the PM² Support Network (PSN), a network of Local Support Offices for Projects (LSOPs) coordinated and backed by the Center of Excellence in PM² (CoEPM²).

The PSN provides guidance and support to PM² users, covering both the methodology itself and the effective use of project management tools and techniques. This invaluable resource benefits both newcomers and seasoned experts.

Benefits for Projects of All Types

PM² is applicable to any organisation and project, regardless of their activities or objectives. Moreover, it can be seamlessly integrated with other project management frameworks already in place within an organisation, such as PMBOK-PMI or PRINCE2. For those without prior experience or knowledge in Project Management, PM² offers an accessible entry point.

Some of the standout benefits of PM² are:

Short implementation period, allowing for quick adoption.

Easy-to-understand steps to follow.

Equipping you with the necessary tools to manage a wide range of projects.

Free to use, with no payment required.

Joining the PM² community and receiving updates is also free. 

You can do so at these links:

https://pm2.europa.eu/index_en

http://europa.eu/!gb87FF

For all the official information and documentation on PM² (updated on 2018) by the European Commission, visit their PM² website: https://ec.europa.eu/isa2/solutions/open-pm2_en 

Now that you have this valuable insight, you can start harnessing the potential of PM² and benefit from this exceptional methodology. 

At Consulta Europa, our distinguished track record speaks for itself as we excel in managing numerous European projects. With extensive expertise in handling diverse initiatives across the EU, we are well-versed in navigating the intricacies of project management. From the inception of projects to their seamless execution, our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional results and maximising the potential of each endeavour.

Contact us!

The Communication and Dissemination Plan in European Projects

Communicating internally and externally, before, during, and after. In any initiative or organisation, effective communication is crucial for achieving objectives and showcasing results. Communication in the management and implementation of European projects is a critical strategic task that is often left until the end, which is a mistake. Nothing exists if it is not communicated, and the European Commission understands this well.

There can be no European spirit if people are not aware of European policies and their financial framework, and how European projects impact our daily lives. External communication needs to be planned and results must be disseminated. People, companies, organisations, and administrations will not participate in European programmes if they are unaware of their existence or have difficulty accessing their calls for proposals and mechanisms for finding partners.

Without an effective internal communication plan, coordinated work among different international partners will not achieve its objectives. Furthermore, it is crucial to communicate effectively during different phases of the project and provide the final evaluator with a clear picture of the project. The European Commission is increasingly demanding when it comes to communication, and they will scrutinise this aspect as well.

For any European project, a Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Plan needs to be designed.

Who are we targeting? The first step is to identify our target audiences: end-users, partners, stakeholders, experts, professionals, influencers, decision-makers at local, regional, and European levels, media outlets, social media, and the general public.

We will also define the channels through which we will reach each audience. Additionally, for each audience, we will establish one or several communication objectives, based on which we will create specific messages. The following are usually the common main objectives in the implementation of any European project:

  • Raise awareness among citizens;
  • Expand the project’s impact;
  • Engage stakeholders and target groups;
  • Share practical solutions and knowledge;
  • Influence public policies and practices;
  • Develop new communication networks.

Based on each objective, we will design communication actions that will be scheduled in a timeline covering all stages of the project, from the application process to the dissemination of results once the project is completed. And what do we mean by “communication actions”? It encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including event design, meetings, participation in forums, conferences, and seminars, creation of videos, brochures, newsletters, press releases, creation and management of project websites and social media platforms, team-building activities, and any other proposal that enhances the visibility, transparency, effectiveness, participation, and impact of your project.

Internal Communication

In any project involving multiple actors with diverse profiles, internal communication is essential for mutual understanding, effective planning, and goal achievement. Here are some essential steps to consider from the moment your project is approved.

Create a communication matrix

This is a template, a tool that includes the following elements: type of communication, objective, channel, frequency, involved audiences, organiser, deliverables, and formats.

For example, the types of communication can be defined as follows:

  • The first meeting among partners to introduce the project and its objectives: once, at the beginning, and in person.
  • Transnational working sessions to review the project’s progress: every 6 months (approximately) and in person.
  • Virtual meetings prior to each in-person meeting: every 3 months (approximately), online.
  • Project progress reports: every 6 months (approximately), in paper or digital formats, stored in platforms like Google Drive and shared via email and/or specialised apps, as agreed upon by the partners for easy access.

Regarding the participating audiences for each communication, factors such as the number of people travelling to each in-person meeting for each partner organisation should be considered. Due to budget and operational constraints, it is recommended to have two members per organisation, justifying their roles.

In terms of deliverables, each meeting will generate its own products, such as an attendance list, an agenda to be distributed to participants at least 15 days before each working session, minutes that include decisions made, task status, new tasks assigned, and responsible parties. The minutes should be sent to participants one week after the meeting. Additionally, reports on project status and evaluation should be included.

It is also advisable to create communication standards with the project’s visual identity (logo, typography, colours), providing templates for agendas, minutes, presentations, and reports (although some report templates may already be provided by the National Agency and the programmes themselves).

Furthermore, the plan should include the process for scaling communication, which involves prioritising, determining the level of impact on the project, identifying the authority to make decisions regarding communication, and establishing maximum resolution times.

Planning External Communication

To raise visibility for our project and disseminate its impact among different target audiences, we can carry out various actions, some of which are required by the European Commission and guided by the programme itself. For example:

  • Creating a dedicated project website, which should be launched within the first three months of the project’s lifespan. Many projects make the mistake of launching the website only after the project is completed, but a website should be a living space that showcases the project’s ongoing activities and hosts its results.
  • Creating our own profiles on social media platforms where our target audience is present, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and possibly Instagram. Through these platforms, we need to build a community and provide real-time documentation of our activities by sharing photos, videos, and text.
  • Establishing relationships with media outlets by compiling a list of general and specialised media and journalists who may be interested in covering our news. We will craft press releases that are newsworthy and meet journalistic criteria, aligning with the media’s agenda. We can also give interviews to digital media or provide background information to support potential reports.
  • Creating our own events involving stakeholders, such as training sessions, informative events, contests, and social gatherings. We should also participate in external events that are relevant to our field of action and interest.
  • Generating our own newsletter to keep the most engaged audiences up to date with our activities or news related to our field.

Disseminating Results

The essence of European projects lies in generating knowledge that can address common problems or opportunities from an innovative, sustainable, and social perspective. What kind of results can we disseminate? We can share any tangible outputs created during the project through appropriate channels. This can include sharing our approach or model for addressing a problem, manuals produced, informative newsletters, best practice guides, and evaluation reports. We can also communicate the knowledge, experience, and achievements acquired, while contributing to raising awareness and social consciousness about the issues we are addressing.

To achieve this dissemination, we have various tools at our disposal, such as our project website, European platforms, meetings and visits, workshops, seminars, webinars, events, audiovisual products, podcasts, brochures, articles, press releases, and social media platforms, among others.

Maintaining EU Visibility

In all promotional and communication materials, the European Union emblem and its funding statement should always be used. Here is a link to the rules for its use: Download centre for visual elements.

Additionally, each programme specifies its own rules regarding the use of its corporate identity.

Evaluating Impact

As with any communication plan, a chapter should be dedicated to evaluating the achieved impact and determining whether the SMART objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound) have been met. Many aspects can be measured, such as:

  • Number of visits and inquiries on our website;
  • Interactions and engagement on our social media channels;
  • Media coverage of our news and events;
  • Our participation in conferences and public events;
  • The impact of our project on public policies;
  • The production and circulation of our own informational materials, as well as their usage by third parties;
  • These are just a few aspects that can be considered when evaluating the impact of your project’s communication efforts. Each aspect provides valuable insights into the reach and effectiveness of your communication strategy.

These are some of the key considerations when managing communication in European projects. While each programme may have its specific requirements and characteristics, these guidelines can serve as a general framework adaptable to the unique nature of each project. Remember to embrace creativity as the most powerful instrument at your disposal.

Effective communication is not only about delivering messages; it is about building relationships, engaging stakeholders, and sharing the results of your project for maximum impact. You can enhance visibility, transparency, participation, and ultimately, the success of your European project by implementing a well-designed communication plan.

Contact us!

Did you know that effective communication is the key to success in European projects? At Consulta Europa, we’ve been leading the way in communication and dissemination strategies for European projects since 2009!

Open Call launch Euro-emotur: The Journey towards digitalisation

Euro-Emotur (https://euroemotur.eu/), our TOURISME sister project, has just launched its Call for SMEs!

The objective of Euro-Emotur is to boost the uptake of digitalisation and innovation by tourism SMEs, paying special attention to neuromarketing techniques to boost the digital reputation of SMEs and increase their performance.

Participation for SMEs is free of charge, no co-financing is required.

Apply for funding here: https://lnkd.in/dTr7vN5V

First public results of AquaWind project

The AquaWind project, which Consulta Europa is partner of, releases it first public documents, approved by the EU Commission:

– The Project Factsheet, entailing information about the project, the activities, and the expected results

– The Dissemination and Communication Plan, establishing the roadmap for dissemination & communication activities

– The Stakeholder Engagement Plan, setting up the framework for contacts and connections with local and international stakeholder communities

– The promotional materials, applying the developed logo and visual identity of the project

You can consult and download these resources from the “Results” section of our project’s website: https://aquawind.eu/results/

 

Towards the end of the year, the consortium expects to publicly release more deliverables and reports, so stay tuned!

Consulta Europa attended in Brussels the Kick-off Meeting of BESTLIFE2030

Consulta Europa, is thrilled to announce its participation in the kick-off meeting of the BESTLIFE2030 EU Project, held in Brussels. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this initiative aims to protect the biodiversity of outermost regions and overseas territories over the next decade.

As the regional focal point for Macaronesia within the project, Consulta Europa will play a crucial role in facilitating conservation efforts in this unique and ecologically important area. The BESTLIFE2030 project will establish a financing facility to support applicants and grantees, ensuring their projects have a tangible impact on the ground and contribute to regional and international biodiversity and sustainable development strategies.

Under the coordination of IUCN, recognised as an “assimilated international organisation” by Commission decision C(2020) 7741, the consortium will engage regional stakeholders possessing the necessary technical expertise and implementation experience. This collaboration will provide meaningful guidance to applicants and grantees, focusing on capacity development, project monitoring, communication and visibility, and knowledge sharing through best practices and capitalisation exercises.

The BESTLIFE2030 project will establish a strategic framework to maximise the impact of awarded projects not only at the local level but also at the national and EU levels. Through aligning with local strategies and reinforcing conservation efforts, this project will contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in EU Overseas regions.

“We are honored to be a part of this initiative,” said Michelle Perello, CEO at Consulta Europa. “This initiative represents a significant opportunity to promote sustainable development and safeguard the unique ecosystems found in outermost regions and overseas territories. We look forward to collaborating with IUCN and other stakeholders to make a lasting impact on biodiversity conservation.”

Consulta Europa remains committed to its mission of promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to a better future for our planet as the Regional Focal Point for Macaronesia.

Learn more about this project at: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/details/101096887

AquaWind project explores synergies in a joint event in Gran Canaria

The European project AquaWind, which Consulta Europa is project partner of, has laid the foundations for future collaborations with its sister project “FLORA” (https://wedgeglobal.com/projects/) in a joint event held on 1st June 2023.

AquaWind, led by the Canarian Agency for Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI) of the Government of the Canary Islands, aims to carry out a demonstration test of an integrated multi-use solution, uniting the existing prototype of marine renewable energy production (W2Power) with an innovative aquaculture solution. The new prototype uses an innovative network material and will have a high level of digitization, with the implementation of sensors and automation that will allow remote control of the installation. In turn, this project will be a pioneer in Europe by including for the first time a multi-use prototype for testing live fish of two cultivable species: gilthead bream as a commercial model and amberjack or amberjack as a candidate species for aquaculture diversification.

FLORA is a research and innovation project that seeks to optimize and validate a prototype of a multisensory ocean station capable of producing energy to feed its oceanographic data services. This project has been developed by Wedge Global, a Spanish provider of technology and services for the marine energy market. Like the AquaWind W2Power prototype, the FLORA system will be tested in the waters of the PLOCAN test site under real sea conditions for several months.

The Canary Islands Maritime Cluster with the support of Consulta Europa and the other AquaWind project partners opened the doors to this event, which took place in the new facilities of the Maritime Marine Innovation Center, of the Puertos de Las Palmas Foundation, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This centre is an initiative of the Sociedad de Promoción Económica de Gran Canaria (SPEGC) in collaboration with the Las Palmas Port Authority and the Puerto de Las Palmas Foundation.

During the event, the participants had the opportunity to learn more about the activities of each of the projects and discuss possible synergies and knowledge exchange.

Hybrid Event: BEST Initiative – Past, present and future

Consulta Europa, as Regional Focal Point of the BESTLife2030 Programme will be participating at the upcoming Hybrid Event: BEST Initiative – Past, present and future. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 7th June 2023, from 16:15 to 18:00 CEST, both in-person at the European Parliament (Room PHS 4B1) and online.

Co-hosted by MEP Stéphane Bijoux and MEP Sara Cerdas, the Co-Chairs of the ‘Islands and Overseas Entities WG’ of the European Parliament Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development,’ the event aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the past, present, and future of the BEST Initiative.

Michelle Perello, CEO at Consulta Europa, will be presenting best practices in the macaronesian region, sharing insights into the latest developments and achievements in sustainable development. As a Regional Focal Point, Consulta Europa will showcase its expertise and commitment to contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

“We are delighted to be a Regional Focal Point at this prestigious event, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience in the field of sustainable development,” said Michelle Perello, CEO at Consulta Europa. “We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and society, and we are proud to be part of the BEST Initiative.”

 

Click below for registration!

 

Register here for physical participation to the event.

Register here for online participation to the event.

 

DRAFT AGENDA:

 

16:15 – 16:40

Opening remarks by:

MEP Stéphane Bijoux

MEP Sara Cerdas

European Commission representative (tbc)

Boris Erg, Director, IUCN European Regional Office

16:40 – 17:20

12 years of BEST: success stories from the ground

                                           Zoom in on results from BEST RUP, LIFE4BEST, BEST2.0, BEST2.0+:

Christèle Allaud, Caribbean Regional Focal Point – BEST2.0+, LIFE4BEST, BEST RUP programmes more focal points (tbc)

 

17:20 – 17:45

Q&A session with the audience

17:45 – 17:55

Announcement of the new BEST phase: BESTLIFE2030  

 

17:55 – 18:00

Closing remarks by:

MEP Stéphane Bijoux

MEP Sara Cerdas

Wednesday 7th June 2023, 16:15 – 18:00 CEST

(Interpretation EN <> FR provided)

 

 

 

Now Hiring! – EU PROJECT MANAGER

We are looking for a EU Project Manager to support us with the management and execution of our EU funded projects.

Requirements:

– University Degree related to the areas of Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Geography and/or Economics.

– C1 English (candidates not complying with the requested levels will not be considered); good knowledge of Spanish; other languages are considered as an asset;

– Computer literacy (Office).

 

We will value positively:

– Study or work experience abroad.

– Flexible, proactive, and dynamic attitude.

Experience in managing European projects is not required as in-depth internal training will be provided, but flexibility is needed to carry out different tasks that may include research, administrative and financial management, communication, organisation of meetings and events.

Please note that Consulta Europa is a small company but very active at European level. The team is multinational and multidisciplinary.

Interested candidates can send their CVs at beatrice.avagnina@consulta-europa.com indicating “Project Manager position” in the subject of the e-mail.

Remote work is not eligible for this position.

Baseline Workshop Sets Path for ULPGC modernisation under the EXPER Co-Design Methodology

Consulta Europa is thrilled to announce the succesful completition of the baseline workshop to set the basis for the elaboration of the Vision and Mission of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria under the framework of the EXPER project.

Michelle Perello, CEO at Consulta Europa falicitated the discussion at the premises of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, gathering essential insights to feed the elaboration of the vision and mission, first phase under the co-design methodology developed by CE. With an innovative approach, a brainstorming session took place last april, 27th, 2023 among canarian stakeholders.

Representatives from ULPGC-FCPCT and organisations such as PROEXCA, Cámara de Comercio de Gran Canaria, ZEC, Cluser Marítimo de Canarias, and EMERGE actively participated in the co-design session.

The ULPGC team expressed its gratitude to all participants and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the Vision and Mission reflect the needs of the community and are in line with the EXPER project’s goals.

The session concluded with valuable inputs from participants, emphasising local development and commitment to the surrounding ecosystem, which will be included in the upcoming Strategy and Action Plans of the University.

This activity is also taking place in the Azores Islands to collect useful inputs to develop the Vision and Mission of the University of the Azores.

Online Consultation

Alongside, to ensure wider public participation in the process, an online consultation by CE is currently running on the social media platforms. Interested parties can access it via the following link: https://bit.ly/3L7X42j

Building a Brighter Future for UAC and ULPGC

This activity is also currently taking place in the Azores Islands to collect useful inputs to develop the Vision and Mission of the University of the Azores within the EXPER Project.

RURALIZATION CONSORTIUM MEETS FOR FINAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE FINAL CONFERENCE

Brussels, April 19th, 2023 – The Ruralization consortium is meeting today for the last General Assembly before the final conference to discuss the promotion of the project’s results among policy makers and newcomers, new entrants and successors in European rural areas. The final conference of the project will be held tomorrow, April 20th, in Brussels.

The RURALIZATION project, funded under the Horizon 2020 programme, is based on the idea that a process of ‘ruralisation’ can change development patterns in rural areas and generate new opportunities. To foster a “ruralisation” process across Europe, the project aims to generate new policy-relevant knowledge.

The project has gathered 18 partners from 12 different countries, including research organisations and partners that implement innovative practices. This diversity ensures that the project will formulate solutions and recommendations which respond to the diverse needs and features of rural areas in Europe.

The final conference, hosted by the European Committee of the Regions, will provide a space for presenting the main outputs of the project and considering all the lessons learned throughout the four years of the project. The conference will include an interactive workshop on policy options for fulfilling rural dreams, a “Rural Tales” session in which young farmers and entrepreneurs will share their own stories, and a discussion among representatives of the European Commission, stakeholders, and other experts on how specific European policies could contribute to the ruralisation process.

For more information about the final conference, please visit https://ruralization.eu/final-conference/

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