Communicating European Opportunities to People Anna Maria Linsalata Responsible for the Communication plan of Emilia-Romagna Objectve 2 Programme 2000-2006

Objective 2 Programme for Emilia-Romagna Action Priorities Priority 1 Business support Priority 2 Infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of the region’s productive economy Priority 3 Technical assistance

Focus on Priority 1, Business support Information and publicity measures to potential and final beneficiaries

The strategy Cooperation and collaboration with the Provinces partnership Multimedia communication in order to reach different target groups integrated communication

The aims of information and publicity measures To inform potential beneficiaries and stakeholders in Objective 2 areas To increase awarness about the role played by the European Union together with national and local authorities To simplify access to procedures and ensure transparency

Working together A successful partnership with the Provinces and other local authorities: an effective communication network

Multimedia communication Mix of both traditional and innovative tools in order to guarantee equal opportunities to different target groups

Communication actions and tools Press releases and conferences Internet site Brochure Poster campaign Ads in newspapers Meetings and seminars Call centers and information points Freephone number

Objective 2 Web Site A virtual information point Information and services provided with regard to users needs Easy accessible information and countinous updating A tool designed as a source for information points as well www.ermesimprese.it/obiettivo2

Talking to people Direct communication through: simple and immediate language images of people speaking to potential beneficiaries

Explaining fund accession procedures Providing information on opportunities Explaining the procedures as simple as possible Ensuring that the procedures are easily understood

Easy access according to people needs and expectations Application forms are available for download from the site or provided at information points Synthetic, brief and clear material illlustrating how to apply Call center, freephone number and front offices throughout the areas in order to give adequate assistance

Information provided Who can apply Both documents in the site and paper material contain the following information for each tender Who can apply Which projects and expenses are eligible Amount of the funding How to apply How applications will be dealt with How the money will be allocated Where to find assistance and documentation

We have a dream, or rather an objective: Objective 2

Talking and listening to people The importance of a two way communication

The feedback from the final users: a great resource for improving communication Do the users mostly understand the information/publicity actions? Which problems do they meet by approaching the information provided? Are they satisfied with the assistance provided?

Thousands of applications and contacts: First results Thousands of applications and contacts: an effective dialogue with people