Participating in European projects is an opportunity available to far more people and organisations than most imagine. However, many myths still discourage artists, associations, cultural enterprises, municipalities, museums, educational institutions and professionals from applying because they believe European Union programmes are not designed for them.

Every year, the European Union finances thousands of initiatives that promote education, culture, innovation, international mobility and cooperation between countries. Despite these opportunities, many organisations never submit an application because they assume they do not meet the eligibility requirements or believe it is impossible to compete with larger institutions.

The reality is very different. There are European opportunities designed for a wide range of profiles, and many approved projects are led by small organisations, local associations or institutions applying for European funding for the first time.

Understanding who can access these programmes and how participation really works is the first step towards making the most of European funding opportunities.

What Does Participating in European Projects Mean?

Participating in European Projects Is More Than Receiving a Grant

Many people associate participating in European projects only with receiving financial support.

In reality, taking part in a European project means much more.

It means collaborating with organisations from different countries, exchanging knowledge, developing new skills, building international networks and contributing to solutions for common European challenges.

Funding is simply the tool that makes this cooperation possible.

The real objective is to create social, cultural, educational or economic impact through projects developed jointly by organisations across Europe.

Why Are There So Many Misconceptions About Participating in European Projects?

For many years, European programmes were primarily associated with universities, research centres and large public institutions.

This created the widespread belief that only these types of organisations could access European funding.

Although some programmes are still aimed at very specific sectors, the European funding landscape has evolved considerably.

Today there are opportunities for:

• artists;
• cultural organisations;
• youth associations;
• libraries;
• museums;
• municipalities;
• small businesses;
• foundations;
• NGOs;
• educational institutions;
• community organisations.

The growing diversity of European programmes has significantly expanded the number of potential participants.

The First Myth About Participating in European Projects

Myth 1: Only Universities Can Participate

This is probably the most common misconception.

Many people associate European programmes with universities because Erasmus was originally focused on higher education.

However, the European Union has since developed many new funding instruments aimed at a much broader range of sectors.

Today, there are calls for proposals covering:

• vocational education and training;
• school education;
• youth;
• sport;
• culture;
• cultural heritage;
• innovation;
• entrepreneurship;
• volunteering;
• territorial cooperation.

Universities remain important actors, but they are no longer the only organisations involved.

The Reality

Today, participating in European projects is possible for many different types of organisations.

Examples include:

• a cultural association organising artistic activities;
• a municipal museum;
• a public library;
• a municipality interested in international cooperation;
• a small creative business;
• a social foundation;
• a vocational education and training centre.

In many cases, these organisations compete on equal terms within funding programmes specifically designed for their sector.

The Second Myth About Participating in European Projects

Myth 2: Only Young People Can Participate

Programmes such as Erasmus+ have contributed to the widespread belief that European projects are only intended for university students or people under the age of thirty.

This perception no longer reflects reality.

Although some initiatives are specifically designed for young people, a large number of European programmes are open to professionals, organisations and public institutions without strict age limits.

The Reality

European programmes provide opportunities for people at many different stages of their professional lives.

Participants may include:

• young people;
• adults;
• professionals;
• cultural managers;
• researchers;
• teachers;
• municipal officers;
• entrepreneurs;
• social workers;
• leaders of cultural organisations.

In most cases, age is far less important than meeting the eligibility requirements established by each specific programme.

Who Can Participate in Erasmus+?

Participating in European Projects Through Erasmus+

One of the most common online searches is who can participate in Erasmus+.

The answer depends on the specific action within the programme.

Erasmus+ offers opportunities for:

• students;
• teachers;
• educational staff;
• youth workers;
• non-profit organisations;
• public authorities;
• businesses;
• training centres;
• universities;
• associations.

There is no single participant profile.

Each Erasmus+ action defines its own target groups and objectives.

For this reason, it is essential to study each call carefully before assuming that a programme is not suitable.

Erasmus+ Has Evolved

In its early years, Erasmus focused primarily on university students.

Today, the programme also supports:

• school education;
• vocational education and training;
• lifelong learning;
• youth;
• sport;
• international cooperation;
• educational innovation.

This evolution demonstrates how the European Union has progressively expanded access to its programmes in response to the changing needs of society.

What Role Do Artists Play?

Participating in European Projects for Artists

Independent artists are among the groups that have gained the greatest number of opportunities in recent years.

European projects for artists support activities such as:

• international artist residencies;
• cultural exchanges;
• co-productions;
• artistic research;
• specialised training;
• international mobility;
• cooperation between cultural institutions.

In addition to financial support, artists benefit from stronger professional networks and increased international visibility.

International Mobility as an Opportunity

International mobility is one of the cornerstones of European cultural policy.

It enables artists and cultural professionals to work temporarily in other countries, exchange methodologies and develop collaborative projects with international partners.

These experiences not only strengthen professional skills but also contribute to intercultural dialogue and cooperation across Europe.

Participating in European Projects Is Open to Many More People Than Most Think

The first myths discussed in this article demonstrate that European opportunities are not reserved exclusively for universities or young people.

The evolution of European policies has opened the door to many new sectors, organisations and professionals, all of whom now play an important role in building a more collaborative, innovative and connected Europe.

Understanding this reality is the first step towards overcoming the misconceptions that prevent many individuals and organisations from submitting their first European project.

In the next section, we will examine three additional myths that continue to discourage potential applicants: the belief that perfect English is required, the assumption that only large organisations are successful, and the idea that extensive experience is necessary before applying for European funding.

Myths and Reality About Participating in European Projects

After understanding that participating in European projects is not limited to universities or young people, it is important to address other misconceptions that discourage thousands of potential applicants every year.

Many organisations never submit a proposal—not because they lack good ideas, but because they assume they are not qualified. They believe they need perfect English, decades of experience or a large institutional structure before they can even consider applying.

In reality, European programmes are designed to encourage diversity, cooperation and inclusion. What matters most is not the size of the organisation but the relevance of the project and its potential impact.

Do You Need Perfect English to Participate in European Projects?

Myth 3: You Must Speak Perfect English

One of the greatest fears among first-time applicants is the language barrier.

Many people believe they cannot consider participating in European projects because they are not fluent in English.

Although English is the most commonly used working language in international cooperation, perfect fluency is not a legal requirement for most European programmes.

Many successful organisations include staff members with different levels of English proficiency.

The Reality

European projects are developed by teams rather than individuals.

Within a consortium, different organisations contribute different strengths.

For example:

• one partner may coordinate communication;
• another may manage finances;
• another may organise cultural activities;
• another may provide technical expertise.

Language support can also be provided through:

• professional translators;
• bilingual staff;
• external consultants;
• international partners;
• translation software.

What matters most is the quality of the project—not perfect grammar.

Communication Is More Important Than Perfection

European cooperation values clear communication.

Applicants are not expected to write literary English.

Instead, they should focus on presenting:

• realistic objectives;
• coherent activities;
• measurable results;
• strong partnerships;
• sustainable impact.

Many successful projects are coordinated by organisations whose native language is neither English nor French.

Can Only Large Organisations Participate?

Myth 4: Only Large Organisations Receive European Funding

Another widespread misconception is that participating in European projects is only possible for large institutions with hundreds of employees.

This belief prevents many small organisations from applying.

However, European programmes actively encourage participation by local organisations because they often have closer relationships with their communities and greater flexibility to develop innovative ideas.

The Reality

Every year, European funding supports projects coordinated by:

• local cultural associations;
• community organisations;
• municipal libraries;
• small museums;
• youth groups;
• independent cultural centres;
• small and medium-sized enterprises;
• local municipalities.

Many of these organisations have only a few employees.

Their strength lies in their expertise, local knowledge and commitment to their communities.

Small Organisations Often Offer Greater Innovation

Innovation does not depend on organisational size.

Small organisations frequently develop creative approaches because they are:

• flexible;
• close to beneficiaries;
• able to adapt quickly;
• highly specialised;
• strongly connected to local communities.

European evaluators recognise these advantages.

As a result, many funding programmes actively encourage participation from organisations of different sizes.

Do You Need Years of Experience?

Myth 5: Only Experienced Organisations Can Participate

Many first-time applicants assume they must wait several years before submitting a European proposal.

This is one of the biggest obstacles preventing organisations from accessing European opportunities.

Experience is certainly valuable.

However, experience alone does not guarantee success.

The Reality

European evaluators assess projects—not organisational age.

Many first-time applicants succeed because they:

• identify a genuine problem;
• build strong international partnerships;
• prepare realistic work plans;
• demonstrate measurable impact;
• align with European priorities.

A newly established organisation with a well-prepared proposal may outperform an experienced organisation presenting a weak project.

Experience Can Be Shared

European cooperation is based on partnership.

New organisations often join consortia led by more experienced partners.

This allows them to:

• learn European procedures;
• gain practical experience;
• strengthen international networks;
• develop management skills;
• prepare for future leadership roles.

Many organisations begin as project partners before later becoming coordinators themselves.

Why Does the European Union Encourage Diversity?

Participating in European Projects Benefits from Different Perspectives

One of the strengths of European cooperation is diversity.

Projects become stronger when different organisations contribute different perspectives.

A consortium may include:

• a university;
• a municipality;
• a museum;
• an NGO;
• a cultural association;
• a technology company;
• a youth organisation.

Each partner contributes unique expertise.

This diversity improves project quality and increases long-term impact.

Diversity Creates Better Solutions

European challenges are complex.

Issues such as climate change, social inclusion, digital transformation or cultural participation require multidisciplinary solutions.

For this reason, participating in European projects often involves organisations from different sectors working together.

The combination of different experiences frequently produces more innovative and sustainable outcomes.

The Importance of International Cooperation

Participating in European Projects Means Learning Together

The European Union does not simply finance activities.

It finances cooperation.

International cooperation allows organisations to:

• exchange best practices;
• compare different approaches;
• learn from one another;
• test innovative methodologies;
• build long-term partnerships.

The knowledge created during one project often continues generating value long after the funding period has ended.

Conclusions

Participating in European Projects Is More Accessible Than Many People Believe

The myths examined in this section reveal that many of the barriers preventing organisations from applying are based on misconceptions rather than programme rules.

Perfect English is not essential.

Large organisational structures are not a requirement.

Decades of experience are not mandatory.

What European programmes seek are organisations capable of identifying meaningful challenges, working collaboratively and delivering measurable results.

Understanding these realities enables many potential applicants to recognise that they are already eligible to participate.

The NEXO Programme helps organisations overcome these initial barriers by providing guidance, identifying suitable opportunities and supporting the development of international partnerships. For many organisations, it serves as the first step towards successful participation in European cooperation programmes.

In Part 2, we will explore the wide variety of organisations and professionals who can participate in European projects, including artists, cultural organisations, municipalities, museums, libraries, NGOs, educational institutions, creative businesses and independent professionals, supported by practical examples of real participant profiles.