Strategic European Design

Strategic European Design is a 4-week training programme that offers a step-by-step introduction to EU project design — starting from the fundamentals of the EU funding system and leading you through the full creation of a project proposal. Ideal for anyone entering the EU project design field and seeking practical, applicable skills to prepare competitive project applications.

A complete learning path from start to finish

Covers the full EU project design process in one month: understanding the funding ecosystem, identifying relevant calls, developing proposals and logframes, preparing budgets, and recognising what evaluators look for.

Flexible hybrid format with expert guidance

Learn at your own pace through self-paced modules, supported by weekly live sessions led by Alessandro Melillo — an professional with extensive expertise in European programmes and project design.

Recognised certification and career-relevant skills

Earn a Certificate of Completion and gain a skill set increasingly important in today’s job market and valued across a wide range of sectors, professions, and organisational contexts.
Duration
4 weeks - 24 hours
Format
Blended learning (online self-paced course + weekly synchronous sessions)
Certification
Certificate of Completion
Price
290€ Early Bird (includes certificate of completion)

Download the Course Guide to learn all the details!

Who is this training programme for?

NGO and non-profit professionals
Staff of civil society organisations looking to strengthen their ability to design EU-funded projects aligned with EU priorities.
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Business and social innovation leaders who want to explore how EU funding can support the growth and sustainability of their initiatives.
Early-career professionals (junior level)
Individuals working in NGOs, companies, or institutions who wish to develop EU project design skills to advance their careers
University students,
graduates
Students or graduates seeking practical, employable skills  to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional experience.
Public sector / institutional professionals
Employees of public authorities or agencies aiming to design impactful projects and connect local initiatives with European strategies.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Alessandro Melillo

Alessandro Melillo holds a degree in European Studies and a Master’s in International Business and Public Policies. He has nearly 20 years of professional experience in EU-funded projects, with a strong focus on direct programmes and project management.

Following an early experience at the Managing Authority of the ENPI CBC MED programme, he has served as Managing Director of PRISM Impresa Sociale and Head of Research & Development at IERFOP Onlus. He also works as a senior consultant and trainer, delivering courses, webinars, and on-the-job coaching for public administration staff, particularly within the Sicilian Region.

Since 2023, he has been collaborating with the Erasmus+ Italian National Agency – INDIRE and the EPALE Unit, serving as an Erasmus+ Ambassador in the field of Adult Education.
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     Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous EU project experience?

No, previous experience is not required to join this course. This is a basic training and previous knowledge relating the design and managing of EU funding is not compulsory.

What if I can’t attend every live session?

All live sessions will be recorded and uploaded in the course's online repository for registered users.

Is there an assignment or final evaluation?

Yes, all registered users will take a final questionnaire and upon successful completion they will receive certificate(s).

What type of certification does the training programme offer?

A Certificate of Completion issued by the two Training Programme Partners

Training Programme Partners

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