European Project Design – Basic Course
Learn how to transform your ideas into European projects through a practical, collaborative and application-oriented learning experience.
A Successful First Edition
The first edition of the European Project Design Basic Course in 2026 brought together international participants and received extremely positive feedback for its practical and participatory approach, the quality of the training, the collaborative atmosphere, and the networking opportunities offered through the EuGen network.
Participants particularly appreciated:
✓ the balance between theory and practical exercises
✓ working on real cases and project simulations
✓ the materials and tools provided throughout the course
✓ the support and availability of trainers and staff
✓ the opportunities shared through the EuGen community and newsletter
✓ working on real cases and project simulations
✓ the materials and tools provided throughout the course
✓ the support and availability of trainers and staff
✓ the opportunities shared through the EuGen community and newsletter
Course Objectives
A 14-hour online training course designed to introduce European project design in a clear, practical and accessible way.
The programme provides an overview of the main European Union funding programmes and the fundamental tools of project design, with particular attention to EU cross-cutting priorities, the analysis of real-life cases, project simulations, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence as a support tool for project development.
Through guided exercises, collaborative activities and the analysis of calls for proposals and funded projects, participants will gain a practical understanding of how EU funding opportunities work and develop immediately applicable skills for professional, academic and non-profit contexts.
The course aims to provide a solid introduction to European project design, combining an understanding of European policies and funding programmes with practical activities focused on developing a first project idea.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- understand how European funding programmes work;
- analyse a call for proposals and identify its objectives and priorities;
- align project ideas with EU priorities;
- structure a first project idea in a coherent way;
- understand the main stages of the project life cycle;
- use the fundamental tools and methodologies of European project design;
- use Artificial Intelligence to support project design in a critical and responsible manner.
The course adopts a practical, impact-oriented and accessible approach and does not require any previous experience in European project design.
Course Structure (14 Hours)
- EU Policies, Priorities and Funding Logic
- how European funding programmes are developed;
- the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF);
- EU cross-cutting priorities;
- European added value.
- Main European Funding Programmes
- Erasmus+;
- CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values;
- Creative Europe;
- Horizon Europe;
- other European programmes and their funding logic.
- From Idea to Project Proposal
- needs identification;
- objectives;
- target groups;
- project coherence.
4. Analysing a Call for Proposals
- structure of a call;
- evaluation criteria;
- practical exercise.
- Introduction to European Project Design Tools
- results;
- activities;
- indicators;
- partnerships;
- impact;
- sustainability.
- Artificial Intelligence in European Project Design
- opportunities;
- limitations;
- practical exercises;
- prompts and use cases.
- Final Simulation
- analysis of a real call for proposals;
- development of a first project idea;
- presentation and feedback.
Skills Developed
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- understand the logic of European funding programmes;
- analyse calls for proposals and evaluation criteria;
- structure a coherent first project idea;
- apply the fundamental tools of European project design;
- understand the project life cycle;
- assess the quality of a proposal through the analysis of real cases;
- use Artificial Intelligence tools to support project analysis and design.
A programme designed to help participants move from understanding European funding opportunities to developing a coherent and informed first project proposal.
Practical Information
Trainer
Michele Barghini
Schedule
7 online sessions, every Monday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, between from 9 November to 21 December 2026
Format
Interactive online workshops delivered in a synchronous format, including live sessions, discussions and open Q&A moments.
Language
English. Real-time translation through Live Translated Captions allows participants to view automatic multilingual subtitles during the sessions.
Total Duration
14 hours
Target Audience
No previous experience in European project design is required.
Methodology
Collaborative learning, practical exercises, simulations based on real cases, group work, and guided use of Artificial Intelligence.
Final Certificate
Issued to participants who successfully complete the course and the final assessment activities.
Participation Fees
European Project Design – Basic Course
- Standard fee: €450
- Reduced fee: €200 (reserved for students with Economic Fewer Opportunities)
European Project Design – Basic + Advanced Course Package
- Standard fee: €800 (instead of €900)
- Reduced fee: €300 (reserved for students with Economic Fewer Opportunities)
The package includes participation in both the European Project Design – Basic Course and the European Project Design – Advanced Course, allowing participants to develop competencies ranging from understanding European funding programmes to the design, planning and management of projects funded by the European Union.
Should the minimum number of participants not be reached, alternative dates will be proposed or a full refund will be provided.
For further information, please contact us at info@eu-gen.org
To complete the registration form, click the button below:
Financial support for participants with fewer opportunities
In line with the principles of inclusion and equal opportunities promoted by the Erasmus+ Programme, a one-off additional contribution of €250 is available as a discount on the course fee for students and recent graduates who are in a documented situation of economic disadvantage. The contribution is granted until the available funds are exhausted and in accordance with the objective criteria outlined below.
Definition – Economic disadvantage
Participants considered to have fewer opportunities for economic reasons are those belonging to a household with income or asset indicators below the thresholds established by national legislation or by the relevant national criteria in the country of residence. This support does not apply to other categories of fewer opportunities (such as disability, health conditions, migrant background, or other situations not directly related to economic circumstances).
Voices from the First Edition
■ “The combination of theory, exercises and real proposal simulations was especially valuable. I feel significantly better prepared to work with EU-funded projects.”
■ “The course helped me connect theory with practice through concrete tools such as problem trees, logical frameworks and budgeting.”
■ “I am now able to contribute to proposal writing.”
■ “The atmosphere was very friendly and supportive throughout the course.”
■ “The opportunities shared through the EuGen newsletter felt very valuable and exclusive.”