As part of the HARMONMISSIONS project, the Public Institution for the Development of Međimurje County REDEA organized a two-day training program focused on EU Missions 1 and 4, aimed at strengthening the capacities of local and regional stakeholders in preparing project proposals for the Horizon Europe Programme.
The training, entitled “How to Write a Successful Project Proposal for the Horizon Europe Programme?”, took place on 5–6 November at the Knowledge Centre of Međimurje County. Around twenty participants from Međimurje, Varaždin and Krapina-Zagorje Counties gained valuable insights and developed new, practical skills for the successful preparation of Horizon Europe project proposals – a programme primarily dedicated to fostering research, innovation, industrial competitiveness, and the development of innovation ecosystems across Europe.
Opening Round Table and Expert Insights on EU Missions
The event began with an interactive round table featuring Mr. Ivan Munjin from the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMPEU). As the National Contact Point for the EU Missions, Mr. Munjin provided an in-depth overview of the Horizon Europe Programme and its funding opportunities available to research institutions, NGOs, public authorities, and private companies.
He also presented the EU Missions, cross-sectoral initiatives that connect research, innovation, policies, and society to address the greatest challenges of our time – with particular focus on Mission 1: Adaptation to Climate Change and Mission 4: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. In this context, the HARMONMISSIONS project, co-financed by the Interreg Danube Region Programme 2021–2027, was introduced as a key initiative supporting the implementation and understanding of EU Missions across the Danube Region, while strengthening the capacities of regional and local institutions for their effective application.
Hands-On Learning and Collaboration
Throughout a series of lectures, interactive workshops, quizzes, and practical exercises, participants worked under the guidance of experts from STEMwise Ltd. (Zagreb), actively developing their own project ideas – from the initial concept to the first steps in preparing project documentation.
The training also provided a valuable platform for networking and experience exchange among institutions, fostering cooperation, mutual learning, and the sharing of best practices among stakeholders from Northern Croatia who share a common interest in developing research and innovation projects.
Building Knowledge for the Future
The two-day training once again demonstrated that collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment in people are the key drivers of success in European projects. Through the HARMONMISSIONS project, PI REDEA and its partners continue to create an enabling environment where innovative ideas transform into tangible actions and positive changes for the community.