Each call for proposals or tenders is characterised by unique criteria, requirements, and procedures. The authority responsible for the funding programme issues a comprehensive guide detailing the eligibility criteria and the entire application process.

Amazon Consulting’s team of expert consultants is on hand to help you determine if your project or startup qualifies for the funding programme. It’s important to note that numerous funding programmes may be concurrently operational, managed either by the European Commission or state authorities.

Once we establish your eligibility for the programme, we will proceed to register your application in the European Commission’s database. Certain programmes, like Horizon, necessitate participating in collaborative ventures with businesses from other EU countries to qualify for application.

Amazon Consulting is member of the international group of companies AGS that offers strategic partnership services through its extensive network.

Preparing your application well in advance of the programme’s official launch is crucial. Ensure that all necessary documentation is compiled and that your application is submitted punctually.

The European Union funding programmes are implemented in three ways:

• Direct Management
• Shared Management
• Indirect Management

Direct Management

In direct management, the European Commission independently manages the funding programme, excluding the participation of state authorities (e.g., municipalities, ministries). The application process involves the Tenders & Funding portal of the European Commission.

The Amazon Consulting team diligently scouts for funding opportunities in the form of grants, subsidies, or tenders. Upon confirming eligibility, we create an account on the portal for your organization and submit a proposal.

Shared Management

Under shared management, state authorities, such as ministries and regional authorities, are responsible for:

• Determining eligibility criteria
• Overseeing the selection process
• Setting deadlines
• Conducting the award procedure and contract signing
• Managing and monitoring
• Handling payments

Member States must adhere to the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR), a unified legal framework governing eight shared management funds, including the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund.

Indirect Management

For funds managed indirectly, the application process is dictated by an implementing partner, which acts as the contracting authority.

The most active partners of the EU are the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The contracting authority reviews the submitted applications, decides on the awards, and informs the applicants of the decision.

The European Commission employs the expertise of specialists, including Commission staff or external experts specifically recruited for their skills and knowledge relevant to the call, to assess the proposals.

Application evaluation strictly adheres to the criteria previously communicated to potential applicants in the call. These criteria are uniformly applied to all applications, ensuring fair treatment. The evaluation committee uses a predefined methodology for assessment.

All applicants, regardless of their proposal’s acceptance or rejection, are notified of the evaluation’s results, either through a letter or an online notification.

Successful applicants enter into a legal agreement with the contracting authority, in the form of a grant agreement or procurement contract, which forms the legal foundation for project execution and serves as a reference in disputes.

In some cases, grant proposals not initially chosen may later receive funding if a higher-ranked project is not executed or additional funds are made available.

The reserve list, a component of the award decision, ranks proposals in order. It indicates the sequence in which the Commission might approach applicants with these proposals should more budgetary funds become available.