07.10.2026 What Opportunities for the Territory? - Meeting in Valdagno (VI)

The meeting “What Opportunities for the Territory? European Union Funding Opportunities for Schools, Young People, Businesses, Local Authorities and the Third Sector” offers local administrators, entrepreneurs, teachers, students, associations and citizens the opportunity to learn how European funds can become a concrete resource for local development. During the morning session, institutional representatives and experts from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) programmes, Interreg, CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme) and Erasmus+ will engage with businesses, local authorities, third-sector organisations, schools and young people, presenting funding opportunities, tools and examples of good practice. The event will also provide an opportunity to introduce the new Europe Office of the Municipality of Valdagno.

Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice is taking part in the initiative with a presentation dedicated to the educational, training and employment opportunities available within the European Union for young people, with a particular focus on European youth mobility. During the event, participants will also be introduced to the  "Guide to European Funding 2026" prepared by Eurosportello-Unioncamere del Veneto in collaboration with the Brussels Delegation and Venicepromex, with the support of the Europe Direct of the Municipality of Venice, the Europe Direct of the Municipality of Padua, and Europe Direct Montagna Veneta. The guide aims to provide citizens, businesses and public bodies with an up-to-date overview of the main European Union funding opportunities available under the 2021-2027 programming period. The event will also feature the presentation of the 2026 Online Eurotraining Course, organised by Eurosportello-Unioncamere del Veneto, Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice and Veneto Region. The course is designed to help citizens gain a better understanding of European funding programmes and European Union policies through a training pathway aimed at businesses, local authorities and professionals operating in the Veneto region.

 

11.10 am Europe for Businesses: Opportunities through the EEN Network, the APRE Helpdesk for Horizon Projects, and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Filippo Mazzariol, SME Promotion and Technical Assistance Officer and Coordinator of the Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation Teams, Unioncamere del Veneto

11:30 am Cities in Networks: URBACT and EUI (remote presentation)

Moira Rotondo, Head of the Department for European Policies, International Cooperation and Equal Opportunities at ANCI; National Contact Point for the URBACT and EUI Programmes

11.50 am Europe Direct: Bringing Europe Closer to Citizens. European Mobility Opportunities for Young People
Asya Badaloni, Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice 
12:10 am European Networks and Local Development: Strategies, Partnerships and Resources for Local Communities (remote presentation)
Elena Curtopassi, Expert at Veneto Lavoro; President of the ELISAN Expert Committee (European Local Inclusion and Social Action Network); Vice-President of the Committee on Inclusive Territories, Environment and Health, Conference of INGOs, Council of Europe
12:40 am The Municipality of Modena Shares Its Experience: Successful European Projects
Giuseppe Carlo Caruso, Europe and International Relations Office, Municipality of Modena
Maria Gina Mussini, Europe and International Relations Office, Municipality of Modena
13:00 pm Questions and Dialogue with Local Stakeholders
13:30 pm Closing Buffet and Networking Session with Speakers and Local Stakeholders

Modera: Diego Neri, Journalist at Il Giornale di Vicenza