3rd Call Standard Projects: Lead Partners Seminar held in Zadar on 23 September
28/09/2026
On 23 September 2026 the Lead Partners Seminar for the Standard Projects funded under the 3rd Call took place at the University of Zadar, bringing together all 24 funded projects and their project, financial and communication managers.
The Seminar provided a comprehensive and practical overview of the key aspects of project implementation, with sessions delivered by the Joint Secretariat staff, through a combination of presentations, live quizzes and interactive activities.
After institutional greetings delivered by the Deputy Dean of the University of Zadar, DG Regio, Programme national authorities, and the Head of MA, the Seminar opened with the Head of JS providing an update on the contracting phase.
Following, the basics of project management, with particular attention to the start-up phase, were explained. Participants were reminded of the importance of signing the Partnership Agreement and Subsidy Contract, establishing an effective project management team, launching the necessary staffing and procurement procedures, and appointing a Communication Manager and organising the public launch.
Reporting and financial management were also central topics. The JS highlighted the importance of starting the procedures for assigning Italian controllers and identifying the staff responsible for reporting within each Lead and Project Partner. Participants were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Programme Implementation Manual and the relevant National Control Systems in Italy and Croatia, carefully respect reporting deadlines and ensure that deliverable evidence is complete and appropriate. The sessions also covered expenditure eligibility, reporting and payment procedures, project modifications and the use of available Programme tools, including the assignment template, staff cost calculation tool and budget flexibility provisions, all within the principles of sound financial management.
Communication and capitalisation represented another key focus of the Seminar. The communication session covered mandatory activities, the roles and responsibilities of those involved, Programme support, and the importance of coordinating internal and external communication. Project teams were reminded that communication is a continuous and cooperative effort that should be regular, consistent, informative and tailored to the target audiences. They were also encouraged to make full use of the support and guidance available from the Programme.
The capitalisation session highlighted why capitalisation matters and how projects can contribute to the wider Programme knowledge base and results. Participants were encouraged to consider capitalisation from the very beginning of implementation, identify outputs with potential for re-use, complete the CAP Template carefully and involve Associated Partners throughout the project. Attention was given to making project outputs visible and accessible to future users through the Programme Results Dashboard.
In the afternoon, participants put the information into practice through dedicated workshops, followed by one-to-one meetings between project teams and their JS Project Managers. These individual sessions provided an opportunity to discuss project-specific questions and clarify the next steps for implementation.
The Seminar concluded a full day of exchange, practical learning and direct dialogue between the Programme and the newly funded projects. With the start-up phase now underway, the 24 project partnerships leave Zadar with a clearer understanding of the Programme rules, practical tools and responsibilities that will support them throughout implementation, and with the JS ready to continue providing guidance along the way.
