Developing the Project Pipeline for EU Structural Funds

Project Leader

Target Group
Project managers and project developers from the regions, officials from central, regional and local government, as well as programme officers and managers involved in the implementation of Structural Funds projects and programmes. The seminar is also open to economic and social partners involved in developing Structural Funds projects, such as NGOs, higher education establishments, and employers’ representatives.

Description
The new 3-day format will consist of illustrated presentations, group discussions and workshops. It will provide a step-by-step guide to the pipeline, from the point of view of both programme managers and project sponsors. We will examine how to develop projects, starting from the determination of project priorities and possibilities, planning and procedural issues, generating project ideas and establishing partnerships, putting financial packages and applications together, project development steps and ex-ante project appraisal techniques, developing project and programme indicators, as well as learning how to get your project selected. We will also consider the key responsibilities and tasks required to manage and deliver projects successfully as well as looking at some management tools.

Method
There will be a series of presentations by regional practitioners, expert consultants and EU officials. Each presentation will leave time for a question and answer session; discussions and exchanges of experience will be encouraged. Mini-workshops and exercises will be used to develop simulations of essential elements and to generate a clear view of good practice in the key disciplines involved.

Objectives
At the end of the seminar the participants should have a clear understanding of how to generate good projects, how to maximise the probability of getting projects selected, and the essentials of good project management. From the point of view of managing authorities, participants will get a clear idea of how to create a strong pipeline and a steady flow of quality projects.

Programme & Walking Tour of Maastricht
The programme will commence on the first day at 09.00 hrs and finish on the third day at 16.00. A guided walking tour in the historic centre of Maastricht is foreseen on the first day at 14.30.

Seminar venue
The seminar will take place in the Green Conference Room (1.45) at the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), O.L. Vrouweplein 22, NL-6211 HE Maastricht, tel.: +31.43.3296.222, fax: +31.43.3296.296.

Working language
The seminars will be conducted in English.

Fee
The participation fee for each seminar is € 915 and includes participation in the seminar, documentation, a free copy of “Managing Structural Funds: A Step-by-Step Practical Handbook”, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, refreshments and the guided walking tour. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration. EIPA offers its members a reduction of 10% of the registration fee. This reduction is available to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s member countries (i.e. AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, MT, NL, PL, PT, ES, SE, UK). If you are eligible for a discount, please tick the box in the registration form. Please note that reductions cannot be accumulated. For more information, please visit EIPA’s website: www.eipa.eu (FAQ-special discounts).

Hotel reservations
The European Institute of Public Administration will be pleased to make reservations for you at a hotel in Maastricht. We have made a block booking at Hotel Mabi **** www.hotelmabi.nl, € 98,50 p.p.p.n. Hotel Beaumont **** www.beaumont.nl, € 101,85 p.p.p.n. These prices include breakfast and tourist tax.. Should you wish to make use of this possibility, please indicate the name of the hotel and the dates of arrival and departure on the registration form. Payment is to be made directly and personally to the hotel on checking out. Should the hotel of your choice be fully booked, you will automatically be placed in one the other hotel. Please note that if you register after the closing date, hotel reservations cannot be guaranteed.

Meals
All meals will be served at the Institute’s restaurant. Should you require a special menu (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic), please inform the Programme Organiser so this can be arranged.

Registration
Kindly complete online the registration form and submit it before the closing date (28 April 2010). Your name and address will be part of EIPA’s database for our mailing purpose only. If you do not want to be included in our mailing database, please tick the box in the registration form.

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation. Please indicate the method of payment on the registration form. In any case, the participant or his/her administration will receive an invoice for the payment of the registration fee. For administrative reasons you will be charged €150 for cancellations received within 15 days before the activity begins. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants.

Cancellation policy
EIPA reserves the right to cancel the seminar up to 2 weeks before the starting date. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, hotel, etc.). For EIPA’s cancellation policy, please visit our website www.eipa.eu (legal notice).