Partners of the CROSSPATHS project actively contributed to a dynamic international workshop focused on strengthening participation in Horizon Europe proposals. The event, titled “Advancing Horizon Europe Proposals in Strategic CEE Partnerships & Widening Participation,” was organized by Wageningen University & Research and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across Central and Eastern Europe.
Among the CROSSPATHS representatives were Iwona Kieda (InLife), Reelika Rätsep, and Toonika Rinken (EMU), who joined approximately 30 participants from over 10 countries, including Lithuania, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Germany. The workshop gathered researchers, research managers, and policy professionals, reflecting the growing strength of regional collaboration networks.
The workshop was facilitated by Vanya Simeonova, with contributions from Peter Jongebloed and colleagues from Wageningen University & Research. It aimed to address two key dimensions of successful Horizon Europe participation: understanding the “why” behind proposals and practicing the “how” of developing them effectively.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions and knowledge exchange focused on:
- Strategic selection of relevant Horizon Europe calls
- Understanding the EU policy context and background of calls
- Development of project concepts through practical exercises
- Building strong partnerships and matchmaking strategies
The discussions also explored opportunities within Horizon Europe Widening instruments and emphasized the importance of aligning project ideas with upcoming calls. The workshop highlighted how long-standing partnerships across the CEE region are now evolving into concrete research and innovation initiatives.
Beyond technical insights, the event reinforced the importance of trust, cultural exchange, and collaboration in building sustainable international partnerships. The strong engagement and open dialogue among participants created a solid foundation for future cooperation.
With the momentum built during the workshop, partners now look ahead to translating ideas into impactful projects and strengthening their role in the European research and innovation landscape.
