European Union – NORFACE

What is the Erasmus Exchange Program?

Introducing the Erasmus Exchange Program

The European Union first established the Erasmus Student Exchange in 1987. As time went on the Erasmus program grew. By 1989, former members of the Erasmus Student exchange program were invited to help establish the Erasmus Student Network. In 2014, Erasmus Plus program was established. The new program combined knew schemes for education, and training for youth and sport. By the summer of 2020, the Erasmus Student Network grew to 534 associations in 42 different countries with over 15,000 volunteer all over the continent of Europe. More than 3.3 million students have benefited from the Erasmus Program. Over 400,000 universities from 31 different countries are involved in the Erasmus project. The new Erasmus program wss established in May 18,2018, and is expected to go digital. Although the first Erasmus program was established in 1987, the idea to promote academic exchanges, social, and cultural exchange practices between all European countries in 1969.

The Erasmus Plus Program

Erasmus Plus stresses a strong focus on being able to promote a democratic young people’s participation in life, Erasmus Plus focuses strongly on green and digital transitions, and social inclusion. Erasmus Plus is a supporter of the activities and priorities of the European Education and the Pillar of Social Rights. Erasmus Plus offers opportunities in higher education, vocational education, school education including early childhood education, adult education, and more. Erasmus Plus is offering a scholarship for 2021. Some of the scholarships include bachelor’s, master degree , and doctoral programs for people develop excelled in high school but need funding for college. Erasmus Plus can go further than funding educational scholarships by helping people internships, Erasmus Plus has training programs to get today’s teachers ready for a digital world. Erasmus Plus has a Euro Success Counseling program to help students figure out what to do with their lives. ESC in involved in research, creation, and development.

Opportunities for Erasmus Plus Students

Erasmus Plus has many opportunities for groups and individuals. Erasmus Plus can help individuals from all over the world and not just in Europe. Students have the opportunity to study abroad and lead about the language and culture in another country. Staff teachers can share their knowledge from teaching in their own country with students from another country and broaden their lives. Staff training abroad can be in a teaching and non-teaching capacity, observation period, in job shadowing, and training classes abroad. Trainees studying abroad will help them gain experience and make it easy for them to find a job. Many employers admire employees who have had experience long in another country. It is invaluable to be able to speak more than one language fluently. Adults of all ages and economic backgrounds are welcomed to study abroad. Many adult individuals may reorient their organizations in order to expand their knowledge and skills that Erasmus Plus has to offer.

Erasmus Plus Opportunities for Groups Studying Abroad

There are a wide variety of opportunities for many organizations courtesy of Erasmus Plus. Organizations like universities, private businesses, think-tanks, research organizations, and more. Erasmus Plus offers organizations network activities, capacity-building projects for youth and higher education, knowledge alliances, sector skills alliances, and strategic partnerships. Jean Monnet Actions works with stimulating the teaching and the research for Europe Union. The funding 2021 to 2027 of the Erasmus Plus budget used for schools, vocation educational institutions, organizations that train teachers. Monnet was involved with Erasmus since 1989. Monnet has networks and projects. Anyone who represents an organization can fill and application on the Erasmus Plus Website to see if the organization qualifies for Erasmus’ help. Erasmus has a lot of plans to make sure Europe is ready for the digital world. Erasmus can unite people all over the world, so we can no longer be strangers to one another. We can be one big global family.

Digitization is developing in the EU

European Union Allocates €1.8 Trillion to Fund a Greener, Resilient, and Digitalized Europe

The European Commission, the European Member States of the Council of the budget, and the European Parliament agreed to 18 trillion Euros the largest budget package European Commission ever agreed to. The financial package will fund what is needed to restore a post COVID-19 Europe. The new Europe will be greener, more resilient, and more our more up to meeting the demands of today’s world than ever before. This long-term €18 trillion budget is in place from 2021 to 2027. Over half the financial package is designed to support modernizing the way things are done in Europe. Modernization includes changing from analog to digital in most cases, innovation, research, fair climate digital programs, The new budget unallocated 30 percent of the money for fighting erratic climate changes. Some of the budget is being used to fund the NextGeneration EU and support the 21st century agricultural programs. Many other programs being funded by the budget are the Horizon Europe fund for improving the climate, the Digital Europe Program, and Just Transition Fund.

Countdown as Europe Goes Digital

The European Council held a video conference on March 25, 2021, for council members. The video shows the Council leaders stressing, in an open and self-described manner, the importance of a digital sovereign. The council received an open invitation to examine the Commission’s Communication Council on the 2030 Digital Compass that is preparing for Europe’s new digital way of doing things. Part of the video conference included the EU leaders sharing their commitment for international digital taxation. The digital taxation is the foundation framework for the Organization for Economic Co-operation For the Development by the middle of 2021. The Commission’s levy will be released by January 1, 2023, at the very latest. Digitalization can change the way people communicate, live, and work. Digitization can create new jobs and develop new educational methods. Digitization can play a transformation in the European climate, society, and economy. Europe is working towards a digital identity.

Digitization in the European Marketplace

A digitized Europe will be able to link up the national and regional initiatives that would boost the investments through the strategic networks and partnerships. The European industry has become one of the many pillars of Europe’s economy. The manufacturing sector makes up for EU’s economy that is made up of 2 million different kinds of enterprises. Digitizing the European marketplace will improve business productive growth by 60 percent. Europe is on the threshold of a new business generation that creates a new way of using technology, including cloud storage, robotics, 3D printing, and more. The digital sector can contribute to the automotive industry, energy, security, research, technology, and more. On April 19, 2016, the European Commission launched the Single Digital Market Package. SDM package is the very first industry-related initiative. Digital Initiative Hubs are one-stop shops that are designed to assist new and established companies with many business needs.

Spain’s Relationship With Europe

Spain’s Seat in European Union

In 1985, Spain officially signed the Accession Treaty to the European Communities. In 1986, Spain and Portugal acquired seats in the European Union. Becoming a member of the European Communities, meant progress to the Spanish people. The union with the European government meant economic, political, and social development. It was the end of living with Francisco Franco’s dictatorship after his death in 1975. The country Spain spent a decade working on trying to create a democratic type of government before joining the EU in 1986. Spain was given 60 government seats. Spain’s union with the European Union has allowed Spain’s colleges and universities to join forces with European and colleges. Political representatives from Spain meet regularly as the European Parliament from Spain. The European Parliament from Spain is working to adopt the European Union laws. Elites and average citizens alike were in support for EC. For 25 years, Spain has been very pro Europe.

What Spanish Citizens Think of the European Union Deal Today

In 25 years, many citizens of Spain have lost their interest for the European Union seats. Many citizens think Spain has gone from seeking a democracy to becoming a bureaucracy. Other words for the European Union Deal that come to mind are distinct the citizens from the government, and comparing Europe to Germany under Angela Merkel. Merkel was held responsible for using harsh methods to deal with Germany’s economic crisis. There was a recent economic crisis that has caused Spaniards to feel more and more negative towards the European project. The recent financial crisis has caused high unemployment. In 2014, over 50 percent of Spaniards who were interviewed believe they do not know what rights they have as EU citizens. According to the interview, 70 percent of European citizens want to know more about their rights. There are other Spaniards who see only positive in the European project. Those Spaniards see a bright future for the coming next 25 years filled with lots of opportunity, a wonderful alternative from dictatorships.

Spain and the European Union During Brexit

Could SPEXIT or ESPEXIT, be the next to exit the European Union? The Spain Coastal Brits were living the good life for the past two decades and a half. There are political pundits who believe Spain will follow Britain out of the European Union within 15 years. A Spanish leader, Luis Carlos Nogues is using the Brexit event as a starting point to discuss Spain’s recent relationship with the European Union. Nogues would like to create a referendum in Spain similar to the referendum France had. In economic, social, and political growth, Spain is behind Italy and France. People from France and Italy are more aware of the Brussels Bloc’s tyranny than Spain was. Some say Spain is stuck back in 1936 in their political an economic ways. Spaniards believe that discussing whether to go leave the European Union is definitely out for now. Spain is divided on leaving the European Union by right and left wing political movement. Spain is not as aware of the global market as their European counterparts are. Spain presently living in a condition much like a civil war. Spain is struggling with their communist identity and will eventually catch up to their European counterparts. Spain seems to be stuck in the 20th century. The SOMOS leader España Nogues is having hard time with Spain organizing a referendum because the country does not see SOMOS as an ally. Charles-Henri Gallois is in the process of planning a referendum about France discussing possibly exiting form the European Union. If Spain would leave the European Union, the country might be able to contribute more to the global economy than they have been. Right now, the European Commonplace is helping to fund Spain.

France and the EU

France and the EU have a weird relationship and they need one another and yet without the EU France feels it could do better. This is a lot like a bad relationship where one person thinks they will be better without the other one. The truth of the matter is that France needs the EU as much as the EU needs France. France is the largest country in the EU and that is why the EU is in need for them to be a part of it. If France was to leave, then the EU would suffer greatly. France has been a member of the EU since 1958 and in that times the country and the EU has thrived. With mountains in the East and South, France is a booming tourist destination including the capital of Paris; that is where a number of people go for their honeymoon.

Understanding the France EU Relationship

In a lot of ways though while France seems to be able to stand on its own, it does need the many resources that France gets from the EU. With all of the case being made as to why France needs to remain in the EU, the signs are on the wall that the people of France are ready to make a bold exit from the EU when they voted for 43 % in favor for a candidate that did not tote the party line of the EU. With this one statement, it was obvious that the people of France were ready for a change. This signaled Le Pen is looking to make a number of changes that would without a doubt push France away from the values that the EU has held for such a long time and would in the end sort of lead to them not being on the best of terms with other countries such as Germany. The EU needs France way more than France needs the EU. The main reason for this is with Brexit happening as well as France talking about leaving, this leads to the strong military that the EU has been accustomed to. France seems to want to flaunt the fact that they are better than those countries in the EU and that is evident with the remarks that Le Pen has been making as of late.

Frexit or Bust

Things between the EU and France have not always been on bad terms, there was a time when the two actually shared a good relationship. That has taken a radical turn since the days of Le Pen making her statements about France and the relationship of the EU. While the current French President has not been as strong in support in a Frexit option, he has said that the EU needs to reform or they could very well see the end of France being a part of their union. This has been gaining momentum in the fact that France has seen a large amount of anti-EU sentiment in the fact that only second to Greece they have the largest number of Residents that are looking to leave the EU without a moment’s notice.

It is no secret that with Brexit happening if Frexit was to occur, it would be a mortal blow to the EU and one that could very well cripple the EU entirely. The EU holds so much in regard to France that is has been said if France coughs the EU winds up with the flu. What the future holds for France and the EU is still very hazy and could rest on how the two get along. With President Macron, there is at least hope that the France, EU relationship can survive a little longer. Anything is possible and if the EU does reform, then this would be a very good sign that the two will have a chance at rebuilding their future. One thing that will harm the relationship with the EU and France is the fact that President Macron is very much a President that listens to what the people of his country want. This in that case could be the death certificate to the EU and France.

Outlook for France and the EU

No matter what happens with the France and EU relationship, the one thing that is able to be said is that the people of France are a strong people and will be able to make it. France has seen a number of things that should have broken them as a country and has as a result overcome those odds. The EU will need to do whatever is needed to make sure that the people of France are happy and that the EU does not have to try and survive a loss of a country that has brought so much to the EU. France and Germany are the two countries that are holding the EU together and if either one of the4se falls out of the EU, then it will put more pressure on the other. If both happen to leave the EU, then you are looking at a situation where the EU will collapse all in on itself.

Germany and the EU

While the French EU relationship has been somewhat bumpy, the truth of the matter is that Germany has a much more strong and resilient relationship with the EU. Both sides benefit greatly from the contributions that the other makes. Germany has had its share of ups and downs and in that time, the EU has been there to help them and give their support when it was needed. Germany has a stronger presence in the EU than its French counterpart. It also has gone a lot farther in helping to contribute to the financial success of the EU as opposed to many other countries that are not as concerned if the EU succeeds or fails. With the capital of Germany being in Berlin and a population of over 82 million Germany is a country that has the potential to help the EU be able to survive if France was to ever leave the EU. The biggest issue that needs to be addressed is the fact that the German people are not exactly that huge on the whole military thing.

More Facts about Germany

Germany is a powerhouse in the fact that they hold 96 seats on the European Parliament. This gives them a good amount of power in helping to shape some of the legislation that will drive the whole European Union. Germany triers to not make too much of this and they like to take a more passive role and let the rest of the EU try and get things done and save their power for more of a deciding role as opposed to be a ruling element. This has helped the country to not come across with such a strong appearance of being dominant and other countries looking at them like that of a bully role.

Germany’s Influence in the EU

Another reason why Germany has such a powerful influence in the EU is that a number of countries that are part of the EU are bordered to Germany and they tend to go with the direction that Germany goes. This is why Germany yields so much more power in terms of political than France. That and the money are two reasons why the EU has enjoyed such a prosperous amount of success over the last several years. France is one of the country’s biggest exporters and importers and that is why the relationship between them is so important.

There is an aspect that needs to be examined in the relation to other countries and their matters. One of these is the issues that some countries including that of the United States have with Russia. Germany is dependent on the natural gas that comes from Russia and with the load of sanctions that the United States leveled at Russia it is apparent that there are some concerns that the German people have with the United States and these sanctions. Chancellor Merkel has expressed her concerns over these sanctions while still trying to maintain a somewhat neutral tone on the whole Russia thing.

With the country of Germany being unified, the country on the whole is looking to pursue its own interests. The country is looking to make a new statement in the fact that they will at times be in opposition to the regulations that Washington imposes on the rest of the world including allies that the country of Germany really depend on.

While the people of Germany do not provide that much in the way of military, they do have a lot to offer in the way of financial support to the EU. France does as well but they also offer the military aspect as well. The relationship between France and the people of Germany is strained at the best and that makes the situation with France and the EU that much more difficult. Ever since the late 1950’s, the people of Germany have enjoyed a great amount of results from a mutual relationship that helps to make the two better. There are a lot of people that look at the situation with the EU and see Germany as the financial savior that the EU needs so much. It makes sense as they are the strongest and most financially responsible member of the EU.

Can the EU Survive without Germany?

One thing is apparent and that is the fact that without Germany, the financial standing of the EU will be greatly damaged. This is obvious for any person that is a fan of history and loves to see how government works. A lot of the states and countries that are part of the EU think that they are the sole thing that is holding the EU up the truth of the matter is that Germany is one of the main reasons that the EU is still experiencing a growth in regards to the financial aspect. Regardless of what many people feel about the EU and Germany relationship, the fact is that without Germany and their money, the EU will have a hard time actually keeping itself together. France could leave and while it would hurt greatly, the truth is that the EU financially could still survive.

Germany will still be strong and able to carry themselves and the EU on their back for a good long while. As long as too many other countries do not decide to jump ship and leave, the EU will thrive and Germany will be able to keep the EU going. Frances next move will lead to a serious reevaluation of the relationship that them and Germany have with one another and in that, there will be a lot of people that wonder can France be the catalyst that leads to the ruin of the EU or does Germany really have what it takes to keep the EU together and free from falling apart? Only time will tell how this will all play out and as to the importance that Germany will or won’t play in the course of the EU restructuring.

EU Migration Politicizes

If you are looking to move to a European country, then there are a certain number of things that you will need to make sure that you do in order to make your process a little easier than what it might otherwise be. Knowing before you begin will be vital in helping the process to go smoother. The first thing that you need to know is whatever country you are looking to join, you will have to file your paperwork with the authorities there. Despite what many people might think, there is no one agency that is solely for the purpose of immigration. This is a common misconception that often is not accurate. Another thing that you need to know off the top is that each country will have different regulations that are in place for a person to migrate there. It is best that you contact each country and see what their regulations are before you get too far into the process.

Basics to Migration: EU’s Rules for Migration

Since the late 1990’s there has been a set of rules that have been in place for the purpose of making sure that there is one basic set of rules for people that are looking to migrate into European countries. These rules are designed to make sure that those that are coming into their country are doing so for good reasons, such as school or work. These rules are just the basic ones and other rules will generally be in place for those that are looking to enter specific countries. This includes rules and laws that help to limit the number of people that are coming into a country at a time as to help and keep the country from being overrun by new immigrants. These rules have been in place and have been amended over the last several years to make things tougher and easier to migrate depending on the particular situation in a certain country.

Having these rules also helps to protect the citizens of these countries as well as those that are coming into the countries. The EU has a very strict policy on a number of activities that it considers to be illegal and these rules are designed to help and limit the amount of illegal activity that will occur within these countries. As the political climate has changed over the last few months and years, these regulations have been tightened; even more to limit the type of people that are coming into these countries. The screening policy has been tougher and that has as a result meant that applications have been taking longer to get processed. This is a natural thing that comes from a lot of these countries changing their rules and should be expected. It is advised that if you are wanting to be in a country or needing to be in a country by a certain date, that you take the time needed and apply well in advance as to help and account for your application taking longer to process.

Without rules, there is no order and without order there is chaos.

This is a natural law that applies to countries that do not limit and screen the people that are coming into their country. The EU has done its part in helping to make sure that the rules in place ensure that these countries have a basic layer of protection in place. With a number of agencies all working together, the best part is that the countries will have a higher level of security than they might have otherwise had without these agencies in place.

Immigrating into these countries will be something that a new citizen will want to make sure that they are well researched on and ensure that they know all there is to know before they begin the process. This is one of the biggest areas that people have an issue with is the fact that they start the process and then discover that there is an issue that they had not been made aware of. This can then in turn lead to a lot of issues that there will need to be something done about.

Religion – Research, Programs & Positions

There are a large number of programs that focus on the topic of religion. This is one of the top topics that many people in and around the region will find of greatest interest. Even those that are visiting will find that the diversity of religions will allow for a very welcoming environment. It is a known fact that the majority of those in Europe are in some form or another Catholic. With that being said the other religions still have a very strong presence in these countries. This is shown as part of the overall religious diversity that is all across Europe.

Importance of Religion

Even religions such as that of Buddhism have a place in the EU as there are a number of centers and programs that are welcoming to those that are new to their particular faith. If you are new to a particular religion, then odds are that you will find a center or a program that will be designed to help you find the right information that you are seeking out without all of the junk that tends to be tossed into all of the other useful information. This is one reason why so many people will flock to the area of the world as it appears to be a very welcoming. To those of all types of religions, this allows for a very open environment for them to practice without the fear of being persecuted. Religion has always been a huge part of this region so it makes sense that there would be a large presence of all types of religions to give a person something to choose from.

Church and State are Not Separated

Unlike in a lot of countries, there is no separation of church and state as well as no ties to any one particular religion. This also includes no actual ties to religion in any type of treaties that they have with other countries. While this has allowed for a lot more freedom in the way of religion, there are still some dark areas when it comes to the topic of Judaism and religion. While it is getting better, there are still certain sections where this is a touchy subject and one that really needs to not be talked about very much if at all possible. This is just a part of the history that should be included when you are talking about the EU region and religion.

If you travel Europe, you will see that there are a lot of areas that have a devotion to the religions of that particular region. In the areas that are very much Catholic, many of the cathedrals and churches still stand and the original artwork is able to be seen in these spiritually historic places. It is a sight to see and one that is just part of the history that is rich and makes Europe a melting pot for the religion world.

While things are all great and accepting these days, that was not always the case and in fact there was quite a bit of drama back in the early days when talking about religion and Europe. There were some serious dark times and while many would prefer that this not be discussed, it is something that really can’t be ignored. It is hard to think that there was a time when a person was sought out and persecuted all because of the religion that they practiced. This was something that happened and it costs a lot of people their lives and damaged a number of families as they were afraid to let their religion be known for fear that the same fate would await them.

Overall Europe has been very open to people of different religions and that is not something that will more than likely end anytime soon.

The main thing that needs to be addressed is the fact that with all of the classes and programs that are offered no matter where you see yourself in the religious world, chances are that you will find a home that you will be comfortable. It is advised that you do look at the types of religions that are located all around Europe and make sure that there is a religion that you can be comfortable with and that you won’t be causing a culture clash in regards to what you feel about a particular religion or how other may feel.

UK’s Road to Leaving the EU

It is one of the more storied relationships in the way of countries. The UK and EU is a relationship that has seen a number of ups and downs. All of that came to a halt in 2016, when a good portion of the UK voted to leave the EU. It was a move that both shocked and yet did not shock. Depending on where you stood in relation to the issue, you were either amazed or saw it coming. The question has to be asked, why do people in the UK have such a strained relationship for those in the EU? Most of the people that go to Europe love all that; there is to offer in the area. Between the food and the sights, many in the UK have gone on to move to European countries. To fully understand the elements at play that got us to this point, you need to understand the history between the UK and the EU.

The UK’s Efforts Begin

In 1961, Britain applied twice to join the EU. This was both times shot down by French President Charles De Gaulle who said the country had motives for wanting to join the EU or EEC as it was known back then. The feeling was that they were more interested in interests over in the United States than they were over in Europe. Finally, in 1973 with all of the pieces in place, it was time for them to finally become a member. A vote of 67% should have put an end to the debate, but instead, there was not the economic boom as had been promised, instead it was still a slow trickle that seemed to flow in both directions and things seemed to only be getting worse for the UK. They were looking at inflation that was in double digits and as a result a lot of people wondered if letting the UK in was as good of an idea as they had thought it was. To say that the 1970’s were not a good time for the UK was an understatement and that as a result led to a lot of people wanting to get rid of the UK, but the process to kick out was a lot harder than opening the door to let them in.

The “Iron Lady” Rallies to Gain Support for the EU

The 1980’s were hoped to be a little more settled and it seemed as though things might begin the process of getting that way, until the divide between Britain and Brussels began to get wider and wider. Margret Thatcher was doing her best to seal up the wounds, but the injuries to the relationship seemed to be taking their toll and the relationship seemed to be getting more and more strained. Not only did other countries think that letting the UK in was a bad idea, member countries of the UK began to question if they were backing the right movement. Chaos seemed to be reigning and there was no apparent end to all of the confusion. It could be said that Margret Thatcher gave her political career in order to save the UK from leaving the EU. Her downfall was tied very heavy to the efforts that she placed in trying to save her one cause that she believed so strongly in.

The Relationship gets better

The late 90’s saw a new era in relations between the UK and the EU. Tony Blair went a long way to try and patch things up between the two sides. This as a result made things look like the relationship was turning a corner and all the ugliness that had happened in the years past was finally over with. This was a false sense of hope as eventually things would break down and lead to a relationship that was in some regards more strained than it had been prior to the Tony Blair era. This was the first real sign that the two sides simply could not work together. David Cameron was the first British PM to block a treaty that came from Europe and that act alone set him apart from a lot of the other leaders in the EU as they looked at him and wondered if the sentiment that De Galle had expressed all those years back was really the truth. This also meant that the icy reception that the UK got already was about to get a lot colder.

The UK Leaves the EU

Finally, in 2016 what has started in 1961 and was approved in the mid 70’s was undone when the people of the UK went to the poles and voted for them to leave the EU. This finally was the sign that the UK was tired of the EU and that they wanted to take their countries in a new direction. If this was a good thing or a bad thing has yet to be seen and who knows, the UK may one day, find themselves knocking at the door of the EU once again; until that time, it is safe to say that the UK is good with the way things stand between them and the EU.

It is obvious that anyone that has studied any history of the UK, that they are not in need as much as the EU is in need of them. The UK and its member have taken the first steps needed to show that they are able to stand without support and that the EU will not hold them down under their treaties and rules. Many people will say that if you had left it up to the people to begin with, that they would have never even voted in 61 to join the EU.

Against Europe

The anti-Europe sentiment was apparent in the fact that the vote was not even as close as many experts had said that it was expected to be. Time will be the ultimate measure as to if this was the right decision but if you ask some in the UK, they will tell you that this was a move that was long overdue and one that will lead the UK in a better brighter future.

As was stated in the beginning, this was one of the rockier relationships that the world has seen in quite some time and one that will have an impact on the rest of the world. Just like with people when two countries break up, there is always those that get in the middle and are involved. France and Germany are a classic example of this as they are seemingly experiencing their own issues with the topic of Frexit being talked about as of late. This could be the beginning of a lot of countries deciding that if the UK can do it, then they can leave as well and be just as happy without the EU as they are with it.

European Union Research funding

When it comes to research funding carried out by the European Union, it’s done in a variety of ways. Mainly operated through the use of grants. Not just anyone gets these grants though; you have to go through the applying process. There are different kinds of grants depending on the research. In this article we’ll be reviewing each of the grants along with the different search topics and key elements of the researches.

Seeking or waiting for a project partner

The very first thing a person should know is that any research organization, company can step up to be considered a partner. Keep in mind that the research organization or company has to be financially accountable and have the knowledge and skill to carry out the particular tasks required for the project proposal that have to be completed with expertise. If you want to find a partner faster and you’re rather new then try out the partner search services that is at your disposal. The partner search services links you up with other organizations, who are interested in finding a partner for them to collaborate with in proposals. The organization or company could also publish proposals they may have and wait for a partner jumping at collaborations to contact. This leads into the programs which we’ll discuss further in the article since depending on the particular programs, national contact points can be useful too.

Process of the application to gain research fund

The process for gaining a research fund is usually carried out in one to two stages. For the first regular state, it’s very simple. Just send in an application. If it’s the second stage make a summary proposal. Make sure it’s catchy and it’s attractive so that it can be short-listed. Once it’s short-listed, an invitation will be sent out granting you the ability to submit the full application in the second phase where you’ll be a step closer to funding. Now as a reminder, remember once you have a specific call in mind, check the guidelines and meet the requirements well. Keep in mind to register your company or organization with the commission, that’s very important too.

Process of careful selection

When the selection process rolls in, things get tricky. It gets tricky because of the evaluation, since if something is off your proposal may be rejected fast. Be prepared for the fact that there may be different evaluation procedures depending on the funding he/she may have. Depending on the budget, all of the proposals can be selected or only a few may be selected. If it isn’t available right away, don’t stress it. Proposals that didn’t receive funding may receive it later on if more funds are available.

Grant agreement and management guide

Making proposals really isn’t that difficult once you get the hang of it and neither is managing the direction your project goes. When the agreement is signed, you’ll have to manage your project well and make sure it meets up to the standards set. This is done easily since guidance is provided so you aren’t walking into a dark cave with no lighting. The guidance is the light and as the name implies, it will guide you through the entire process smoothly. It’s all there; all he/she has to do is stick to the guides. Depending on the project you may be asked to add in deliverables. Deliverables consist of things like special report, list, info, software milestone and other deliverables that may be suggested in accordance to the grant agreement. If there are any potential changes to the terms and conditions of the grant agreement, you’ll be notified and the grant agreement will be amended. That isn’t anything serious though since the commission will be rounded to keep track and make sure everything runs smoothly through the process. It’s like an older brother giving his younger brother constructive advice as the little brother learns over time. Another useful tip, over the duration of the project make sure to keep the records and documents that will prove you’ve done the project exactly as it was stated. The costs should be recorded too, it’s good to be cautious and all of that falls into managing your project which isn’t too difficult.

Kinds of funds

Next an individual should be aware of the kind of funding he/she can go for. There are prizes, grants, subsidies, loans and other ways of gaining the funding for the project you have in mind. If you partake in a competition Horizon2020 makes, you can receive a prize that can be applied to your special project. Obviously there will be competition as there is all over the world. So, if you aren’t up to too much competition, then go for a grant or subsidy. Subsidies are handled by the European Union national governments directly. There are different ones like agricultural cash subsidies that are given to farmers. If you know you’ll be gaining a lot of money through the project then consider taking a loan that you’ll be able to pay off later on. Make the right moves and you’ll gain much more than you put out and you’ll also be helping many living organisms one way or another with the project you complete. An individual will have to go through those options and choose the one that best benefits him/her.

Different programs example

Now, we’ll go over the many ways of getting funding. The majority of the European funding is handed out by the European Union itself. Comparing this to the European commission and it’s a considerable difference. The European commission’s awards grants straightforward. European Union programs help better the world with the assistance of the European Commission that is assisting in keeping organizations and planned projects the EU programs have. Among programs there are the HORIZON 2020, COSME, ESF, JUSTICE PROGRAMME and various others. All of those programs have found project partners in the past and are very professional. When applying a program, it will be challenged by other programs to win a particular funding from the specific call – so projects have to be top notch.

Agreement of the grant

Once your proposal is accepted, you’re invited to sign a grant agreement. Just like when someone is going to sign to lease a car or a house or when someone goes for a payday loan. Before getting the grant you have to accept some terms and conditions in the agreement. In the agreement you’ll provide accurate legal information. You’ll have to be ready to shift your proposal around if the evaluation report says to do it. Making minor changes isn’t too difficult. After the agreement is settled, the exciting part comes in. When receiving the money, it’ll be sent out in various installments however long the project is. The pre-financing payments come in, then a few interim payments and then after completing the project, the final payment is sent.

European commission power over funds

Managing your funds will be very important. The majority of EU funding is operated below various programs that are managed together by the European commission as well as other national authorities through the European Union countries. Recap, the European commission controls the budgets that the projects have. This means that it rules over the project’s headquarters, European Union agencies, departments etc. Anything that requires transferring funds somewhere or awarding the grants goes by the European commission first. Just like direct management there is indirect management where national authorities work in the shadows.

Funding topics

The European Union funds and supports the best researchers around the world on a wide variety of topics. These topics range from frontier research, energy research, agriculture, how to improve the environment, adding better policies and how policies may affect certain humans, science in society and so many other topics where the funds are being put to use well. Anyone can get down to making proposals as long as they have the right team and creative innovative minds. All research can benefit all humans worldwide. What other country does that? It’s honestly very impressive.

Conclusion

With all of that in mind, the final thing that will be recapped is who exactly is eligible for research funding. You’d be surprised at the answer. Firstly young people can apply from ages 13 to 31. There are particular programs that are particularly for young people to study abroad and gain a lot of experience of the world around them. Information on that can be found through funding calls so dig around after this. Small businesses can take the plunge and go for a fund too. Farmers receive direct payments and if they’re interested in more funds then they’ll have to provide certain information on plant and animals conditions on the farm, make sure that the environment isn’t hazardous in anyway. There are others but mainly researchers are the individuals who are held to a high regard simply because of the fact that research is very important to the European Union. Which are you? Do you fall into one of those? If so, get started and seek a research fund. Remember you’re entitled to access on important information. So look up the financial transparency system for beneficiaries’ info.

EU Institutions

When it comes to the European Union institution and the way it functions, there are so many dynamic components to the entire system that differs from others such as the 28 other states. There are a total of seven European Union institutions. Those seven institutions are the European council, the European commission, the European parliament, the European Union’s council, the auditor’s court, the European Union’s court of justice and the European central bank. Each plays a key role to maintaining the union’s functionality. In this article we’ll be going over the institutions and you’ll be gaining some useful facts and information on the Institutions. With that said, we’ll be starting with the European council.

Seven European Union Institutions

European council & the European Union’s council

The proposal for a European council dates back to 1974 and the European Union was later created in 1993. It had been established as a place where the community’s top leaders like the heads of state or the government, could have serious in-depth political discussions that pertain to the lives of many. There are three different councils. They’re each different from each other. The council of Europe is tasked with safeguarding the parliamentary democracy and human rights. The headquarters for the European Union is in Brussels and the way the presidency works is that it rotates around every six months throughout the 28 member states united.

The European Union’s council doesn’t meet all the time. Their meetings depend on the topics that arise at that current point in time. These topics are discussed and handled accordingly by the most intelligent men in Europe that have the right judgement and knowledge to make the right choices for everyone. If the topic is about foreign affairs the primary 28 ministers responsible for the particular subject, meetup and discuss whatever it is that’s related to foreign affairs. During this session, the ministers of the council bounce around proposals and put into effect community legislation’s. The committee is made up of representatives who are permanently representatives of the 28 member states and help the council by making sure drafts and proposals are ready by the time the session begins.

When it comes to voting within the European Union’s council there are three processes that have to be completed when making big decisions. One of the first processes is by the voting going towards the qualified majority which means that the most qualified individuals that are in favor of something will win. So if there are 30 qualified individuals and 20 out of that 30 choose in favor of something, whatever they choose will win. The second process is similar to the first except, the simple majority side with 15 votes out of 28 wins and this process is rarely used. It’s only really used when there’s a stipulation occurring with the treaties. The third and final process is voting by unanimity.

European Commission

The second institution we’ll be covering is the European commission. It’s located in Brussels where there are over 18,000 members and then 2,500 or more people work in Luxembourg too. The research centers are located in Karlsruhe (Germany), Petten (Netherlands), Ispra (Italy) and Geel (Belgium). Currently the former Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Junker is the President of the European Commission. When law proposals are sent to the European parliament it is firstly managed by over 30,000 agents from the European commission, then sent out to be potentially passed as a new law. The given term for individuals who serve in this line of work is “eurocrats“. One of the very first and major responsibilities that this institution has is external trade and using its legislative initiative and important executive abilities in policies the right way. The administration is mainly done by this institution. The European commission essentially has the role of making sure European politics are carried out and prepared the right way. Preparations are done through preliminary interviews, those governments of all the states have to follow through along with various other experts who will go over the legislative text.

The European commission does not only serve as an administrator though, it also works various other ways like:

It puts into effect the fact that there is a budget and let the union know.
Makes sure the communities legislation is well executed.
It serves as a voice to the world of what the European Union has its attention on, particularly their concerns on what’s occurring around the world.

The European Parliament

The third institution is the European Union’s council. The European Parliament’s role has grown significantly since 1957. It sets the communities budget and can overturn a budget if it has valid reasons, the parliament can make suggestions to edit the compulsory expenditures and shift around the non-compulsory expenditures too. The European parliament allows citizens of the European Union to take part in political matters. Citizens elect their members once every 5 years. The parliament is comprised of over 751 members who were directly elected and originate from one of the 28 member states and embodied the 508 million civilians of the European Union. When it comes down to working, parliamentary committees that deal with different topics are created temporarily. These topics range from economy related topics to budgets that need to be discussed and many other topics. Its main task is to negotiate and uphold the acquisition of a position related to the treaties discussed between applying countries. That leads into the duties of each political group. Depending on the particular political group an individual is in, each group is appointed a set of duties. The parliament is made up of seven political groups. The Group of Socialists and Democrats who are in the European Parliament, European Conservatives and Reformists, Group of the European People’s Party, the Greens/European Free-Alliance Greens groups, Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group, Group of allied Liberals and Democrats for Europe and the Europeans united group of confederates. In order to create a political group, an individual would have to gather around 24 other people who’ve been elected in at least one fourth of all states. Out of the seven political groups though, The European People’s Party is said to have the most members.

The Auditors Court

This institution is located in Luxembourg. The Auditors Court is made up of 250 agents and the 28 members originate from one of all the states. The members are active for six years and as for the agents, the agents assist in controlling the budget the community is under. Its primary task is to go over whether revenues were received or not and that expenditures are carried out. This makes it the job of the Auditors Court to make sure that the European Union’s financial affairs are handled appropriately, legally and won’t get out of hand. Towards the end of each year, the Auditors Court release a financial report that’s sent out to the European Communities in order to keep everyone well informed. The report serves as a weapon to make the EU institutions guarantee funds are handled well. During that same year the Auditors Court also gives comments and opinions on various topics too since it is mandatory for the other institutions to consult with it before they’re able to adopt texts that have to do with resources and financial regulations that could affect the community. So remember, it supervises institutions under the union as well as any organization that profits from managing funds tied to the European Union. In member states this is specifically done through close collaborations with the national audit bodies. Keep in mind that the Auditors Court doesn’t have its own judicial power, so it’s not all high and mighty. Each of the institutions balances the others out.

The European Union’s Court of Justice

The court of justice is located in Luxembourg. It isn’t the European Court of Human Rights or the International Court of Justice, so keep that in mind. The only legal aspect of the union is The European Union’s Court of Justice. It serves as a guardian who keeps a watchful eye to make sure the communities legislation has no trouble and is applied the right way. There are a total of 28 judges who are each from one of all the states. These judges are chosen by legal experts who know they’re capable of the position. Aside from the judges there are 9 advocates-generals who can be renewed for a six-year term as well. The advocates have to uphold the same criteria of legit competence and independence. Leading the forefront in the public presentations, whatever affairs a judge from the court may put forth, and the advocate-general handles them accordingly.

The court is accessible to all parties whether it be a person, member of any state or community institutions. This means that it can be used to dispute concerns that may arise in the community regarding an EU institution or even a community act. So if a person gets through all of the national appeals, he/she gains the right to make an appeal to the Court of Justice to defend their right and whatever they’re there for where other Europeans will see the case. There are three primary forms of appeal. That is failure to act, appeal in abuse and/or neglect and the action of annulment. When making the final verdict, the decision is carried out by the majority of the 28 judges and is then applied right away into the member states without a second thought.

The European Central Bank

Lastly, the European central bank is the final Institution. It’s located in Frankfurt Germany. It was officially established in 1998. The European Central Bank houses a lot of the euros and is known as one of the biggest areas in the world where currency is held. It’s comprised of about 19 European Union member states. Its main goal is to make sure that euro prices are kept stable and stay within the regulations and rules of European Union’s policies that have to deal with money and the economy. This creates more job opportunities this is what this institution also strives for.