Proposal writing for European Projects

Frequently asked questions

• What is a European project?

  A European project is an initiative that is developed and financed with resources from the European Union (EU) or its programmes and funds. These projects are carried out to address common challenges, promote transnational cooperation, and achieve specific objectives set by the EU.

  A European project may involve different actors, such as companies, universities, research centres, non-profit organisations, and public bodies, both at national and transnational levels. These projects are usually multidisciplinary and can cover various thematic areas, such as research and technological development, innovation, sustainability, education, culture, and regional development, among others.

• Which companies are eligible for European funding?

  EU funding is available to companies of all sizes and sectors. For example, the following profiles are eligible to apply:

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): SMEs are one of the main targets of EU funding programmes. Different programmes and calls specifically designed to support innovation in SMEs, foster their growth, and improve their competitiveness are offered.
  • Large companies: There are also opportunities for large companies, especially in strategic areas and international collaboration projects.
  • Startups: Startups with innovative ideas and growth potential are often eligible for European funds. There are specific programmes that support the development of startups in different sectors, such as technology, clean energy, and health, among others.
  • Universities, technology centres, and others: Universities and technology centres are also eligible for European funds to finance their research, development, and innovation projects. The European Union recognises the importance of collaboration between academia, research centres, and industry in driving innovation and technological progress.

• How long does a European project last?

  Generally, European grants are channelled through collaborative European projects that last between 2 and 4 years, although they can be as long as 5 years:

  • Preliminary phase: analysis of the project idea and assessment of its European dimension (identifying the programme and the call in which to present it).
  • Creation of the consortium (including the search for partners).
  • Technical preparation of the project.
  • Presentation of the proposal.
  • Evaluation of the European project proposals by the authorities and their approval.
  • Project implementation: project management and justification.

• What is meant by the term "innovation" in European calls for proposals?

  The concept of innovation in the context of European calls refers to the search for and implementation of new, creative and improved solutions to address challenges and problems in various fields. European calls, especially those related to research, development and cooperation between EU member countries, often promote innovation as a central part of their objectives.

  Innovation can take various forms, including:

  • Technological innovation: Introducing new technologies, products or processes that improve efficiency, quality or functionality in different sectors.
  • Social innovation: Developing new ways of addressing social problems, such as inclusion, equity and sustainability, through creative and collaborative approaches.
  • Product and service innovation: Creating and improving existing products and services or developing entirely new solutions that meet market needs in innovative ways.
  • Process innovation: Optimising and redefining internal or external processes to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction or quality improvements.
  • Business model innovation: Introducing new approaches to the way you generate revenue, deliver products or interact with customers.
  • Research innovation: Developing new methodologies, approaches or fields of study that advance scientific understanding and knowledge.

• What is a proposal writing service for European projects?

  A proposal writing service helps organisations prepare competitive applications for European funding programmes. This includes funding strategy, proposal development, consortium building, budget preparation and submission support.

• Which European funding programmes do you support?

  We support applications for Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund, LIFE, Digital Europe, CEF Transport, Erasmus+, Interreg, EU4Health, the European Defence Fund and other European funding initiatives.

• What is your success rate in European funding applications?

  Between 2021 and 2025, Zabala Innovation achieved a 40% success rate across more than 1,100 European proposals submitted, significantly above the European average of approximately 13%.

• When should we start preparing a European proposal?

  We recommend starting several months before the deadline. Early preparation allows sufficient time for consortium building, project design, impact planning and proposal development.

• Can SMEs apply for European funding?

  Absolutely. Many European programmes, including Horizon Europe and the EIC Accelerator, are designed to support innovative SMEs and startups with high-growth potential.

• Why choose Zabala Innovation?

  With 40 years of experience, more than 600 specialists, over 1,100 European proposals submitted and €3.1 billion secured for clients between 2021 and 2025, Zabala Innovation is one of Europe’s leading innovation and funding consultancies.

• What happens after a project is approved?

  We can continue supporting your project through grant agreement preparation, project management, financial reporting, communication, dissemination and exploitation of results.