Crafting winning proposals for EU grants

Gain practical expertise in Managing EU-Funded projects according to PRAG 2025 procedures

Course Description

This immersive 3-day workshop equips you with the skills and confidence to design, write, and submit successful EU grant proposals under the PRAG 2025 framework. With a hands-on, practical approach, you will work through a comprehensive case study that mirrors the entire application process, from understanding EU programming documents to crafting logical frameworks aligned with OPSYS standards. You will learn to draft compelling concept notes and full applications, develop compliant budgets, and gain insights into the new application templates for Financing Not Linked to Costs, preparing you for future funding opportunities under this approach. Beyond technical expertise, this course will strengthen your ability to secure funding from DG INTPA, DG MENA and DG ENEST by helping you build strong relationships with EU Delegations and the European Commission.

In addition, throughout the course we will introduce and demonstrate how to use artificial intelligence tools (e.g. generative AI writing assistants, prompt-based drafting, AI-supported idea generation and iteration, AI-aided structuring of proposals) to support faster, clearer, and more persuasive proposal writing and design. You will practise using AI tools to:

• generate first drafts of sections (e.g. problem statement, context, methodology) and then refine them
• co-design the intervention logic and narrative elements with AI prompts
• rephrase and polish language, check coherence, consistency, clarity, and alignment with evaluation criteria
• assist with formatting, layout suggestions, and visual design elements (e.g. simple infographics, timeline proposals) via AI design support

Whether you are new to EU grants or looking to refine your proposal-writing skills (now enriched with AI practices), this workshop will provide the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to turn your project ideas into fully funded initiatives.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the EU funding and programming system and its relevance to development projects.
• Navigate EU programming documents related to financial instruments and strategic frameworks.
• Execute the critical stages of the EU grant application process, including concept notes and full applications.
• Apply key evaluation criteria to draft proposals aligned with EU expectations.
• Develop logical frameworks that meet EU standards, including OPSYS indicators
• Prepare realistic, compliant budgets that satisfy EU eligibility rules.
• Enhance the quality and success rate of your project proposals.
• Leverage AI tools responsibly to support idea generation, drafting, editing, and consistency checking in project proposals.
• Evaluate how AI can enhance the efficiency, quality, and clarity of proposals while maintaining authenticity, compliance, and ethical standards.ect proposals.