Europe needs more skilled EU project managers

Launch of the “Managing EU Projects” programme

By adopting an ambitious policy programme for the next seven years (2007-2013), especially in the field of regional policy, the European Commission has set high standards for itself and for those working on European projects. “This is our largest investment programme ever. It is a tremendous opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth and competitiveness of the European Union”, states Danuta Hübner, European Commissioner for Regional Policy*.

And yet, there is a clear lack of technical experts in the field of EU project management. This has led the Institute of European Studies from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), together with the consultants from DL International, to create a suitable proposal.

Managing EU Projects is an advanced graduate programme that gives its participants the opportunity to study the theory and practice of EU policy making and project management. Following an in depth theoretical module the participants receive first hand insights from leading consultants and experts in Brussels with a direct experience in managing EU projects.

“We sought to develop a program that matched academic rigour with directly applicable skills and knowledge. The approach stems from our belief that well managed projects require an understanding of the broader policy context as well as a command of practical skills”, says Prof. Dr. Theo Jans, Institute for European Studies (VUB).

“There is a need to put what you have been taught into practice, as well as to learn from the experiences of experts in the field. This is something that we have included in our programme and that makes it different from other graduate or training programmes”, explains Dan LUCA, Managing Director of DL International.

Information about the “Managing EU Projects” programme can be found at: www.managingeuprojects.eu