01The Focus Europe method
Understand your needs
We discuss priorities, participants, starting experience and topics to explore.
- Objectives and practical cases
- Schedule and available resources
Public administration · A European perspective
Skills that
create
opportunities
From local public service
to dialogue with Europe
Training, workshops and institutional meetings for elected representatives and public sector staff. Every programme starts with your authority’s priorities and the challenges facing its community.
CAL Sardegna · Bruxelles, 2024
Learning programmes for
Municipalities Unions and consortia Regions and public bodies
Training starts with your authority
Your priorities
Our starting point
Understand European policies. Identify opportunities. Turn a local need into a practical proposal.
Focus Europe ETS supports public bodies with tailored packages: from thematic seminars and EU project workshops to integrated programmes with mentoring and activities in Brussels. Content, duration and delivery are agreed with the commissioning body.
An approach that connects elected representatives’ strategic outlook with staff’s practical expertise, encouraging dialogue across teams, services and communities.
Different roles, shared goals
Programmes for
those who lead
and those who deliver
Three starting points to shape together.
Each programme responds to a specific need.
Photograph from previous activities · Focus Europe archiveElected representatives
Set a direction
for new opportunities
For mayors, cabinet members and councillors seeking to connect community priorities with European policies and networks.
- EU policies and local developmentUnderstand the European context and identify locally relevant themes.
- Planning and cooperationDefine priorities, build relationships and learn with other authorities.
- Dialogue with institutionsPrepare questions and topics for focused institutional meetings.
Photograph from previous activities · Focus Europe archivePublic sector staff
From a project idea
to everyday practice
For officers, service managers and staff involved in project development, management and implementation.
- Understand calls and programmesObjectives, eligibility and alignment with your authority’s needs.
- Develop a proposalObjectives, activities, partnership, outputs and budget.
- Manage and documentOperational planning, monitoring and reporting.
Photograph from previous activities · Focus Europe archiveTeams and networks
A shared vision
Joint capacity
For authorities bringing together several departments or administrations through training, dialogue and mentoring.
- Joint needs assessmentPriorities and practical cases put forward by the participating authorities.
- Workshops and mentoringWork on ideas, draft proposals and reusable tools.
- Local and European perspectivesIn-person or online sessions and, where agreed, a Brussels learning experience.
Topics, number of sessions, participants and expected outputs are agreed in the tailored proposal. Programmes can be combined.
How we work
From needs
to practical tools
Learning grounded in your authority’s context,
with time for dialogue and teamwork.
02The Focus Europe method
Design the programme
We select modules, methods and speakers suited to your objectives and agree the scope of activities.
- Sessions and workshops
- Focused meetings and mentoring
03The Focus Europe method
Apply learning at work
We conclude with agreed outputs: tools, project ideas and guidance for the next steps.
- Materials and documentation
- Evaluation and follow-up
YWTS III · Bruxelles, 2025 · Focus EuropeYour questions, the European context
Brussels
Dialogue
with a purpose
Meetings start with your authority’s input: European policies and instruments are explored through the issues that matter to your community.
01
MEPs and officialsThematic meetings to discuss local priorities, opportunities and perspectives.
02
European Commission directorates-generalFocused discussions on cohesion, the environment and other relevant policy areas.
03
Committee of the Regions and EESCThe role of territories and civil society in shaping European policies.
04
Preparation and follow-upThematic briefing, shared questions and reflection on implications for your authority.
Institutions and themes shown also reflect previous programmes. Each new agenda, visit and meeting is tailored and subject to availability and confirmation by the relevant institution.
Experience built since 2007
Where training
meets local communities*
A selection of programmes designed
and delivered with public bodies.
Regione Autonoma della Sardegna
Young Work and
Territory in Sardinia
A programme designed and developed by Focus Europe, with support from the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, to strengthen local authorities’ skills in EU programmes and funding.
150+public sector staff
in the third edition
in the third edition
8territorial areas
of Sardinia
of Sardinia
3modules: local learning,
mentoring and Brussels
mentoring and Brussels
Recognition of Excellence
Filippo Basile Award 2025
Filippo Basile Award 2025
Awarded to the Sardinia Region’s Local Authorities Service for YWTS III, in the “Training Processes and Projects” category.
European policies
and public sector skills
From activities in 2022 to programmes in 2024, Sardinia’s Council of Local Autonomies worked with Focus Europe on training and dialogue with EU institutions, connecting sustainability, innovation and local development.
Read more ↗A European perspective
on local development
The Brussels programme on 14–18 October 2024 connected local representatives, European institutions and the priorities of member municipalities, focusing on regional policies and tools for sustainable development.
Read more ↗A partnership rooted
in the community
Our work with the Union of Gerrei Municipalities connects learning, local administrations and their communities. Cooperation with municipal unions helps identify shared needs and build joint programmes, while recognising each authority’s context.
Read more ↗*These examples are a selection of Focus Europe’s activities since 2007 and do not constitute a complete record. Results and recognition refer to the specific documented initiatives.
Images from our work
People, places
and dialogue
Photographs of real activities from Focus Europe’s channels. Select an image to enlarge it.
A tailored package
Your needs shape
the programme
A single authority, a network of municipalities or a regional administration: the programme takes shape around your context.
Share your ideaWhat we can agree together
Content and participants
EU project development, European policies, cooperation, project management or a specific topic proposed by your authority.
Format and duration
Seminars, workshops, mentoring and integrated programmes. In person, online or with a Brussels component.
Organisation and budget
Schedule, trainers, materials, any travel and support services are specified in the agreed proposal.
Pricing reflects the activities requested, participant numbers and services included. Any funding opportunities are assessed for the specific proposal.
Before getting started
Frequently asked
questions
Can we start with a topic proposed by our authority?
Yes. We start with your input: departmental needs, policy areas, project ideas or local priorities. Together, we identify the most useful approach.
Is travel to Brussels required?
No. A programme can take place entirely locally or online. Brussels is an option where it fits the learning objectives and available resources.
Can several municipalities or departments participate?
Yes. We can design a programme for unions, consortia, public authority networks or groups of departments, combining shared sessions with targeted work.
How are meetings with EU institutions organised?
We collect topics and questions, identify relevant contacts and prepare a proposed agenda. Participation by MEPs and officials, and access to institutional premises, require confirmation from the institutions.
How do we receive a proposal and what does it cost?
Complete the form or contact us. An initial discussion clarifies objectives and activities, allowing us to prepare a tailored programme and quotation.
Start a conversation
What skills
would you like to bring
to your authority?
Tell us about your context, participants and topics of interest. Together, we can shape a training proposal that fits your priorities.