1. Project Communication Niclas Forsling 21st and 22nd of September 2009 – Höfn, Iceland
European Union
European Regional Development Fund

2. Project Communication
Projects have a role to play in the NPP communication strategy
Projects form link between programme and citizens in area
Projects produce tangible outcomes that impact citizens
Responsibilities:
Applicants must provide information on internal and external communication in the application form
Projects must comply with EU information & publicity requirements
Projects are required to follow NPP information & publicity requirements:
Set of mandatory communication tools
Budget for attendance at NPP information and training events
Projects must report on communication efforts through indicators (activity + final report)
NPP will provide guidance through Programme Manual, website, information and training seminars.

3. Communication Strategy
Internal communication: consider the information flow, how you involve associated partners/stakeholders, decision making structure
External communication: make a logical connection between your project aim  communication objectives  target groups  communication measures
Plan for the entire project lifetime and budget accordingly.
Expected outcomes of a successful communication strategy:
Raised awareness with the general public
Better project implementation and therefore better achievement of project objectives
Better internal communication between project partners and better management
Attracting more match funding and outside investments from participating organisations and other stakeholders
More political support and support from citizens to ensure a longer lasting impact of the project and more future support.
Communication is not just a burden or an expense; it can add value

4. Publicity Requirements – European Commission
European Information & publicity requirements for projects: Commission Regulation No 1828/2006, Articles 8 and 9 and Annex 1
Requirements:
Lead Partners are responsible for informing the public and partnership about assistance received from ERDF
All information and publicity measures must include:
The European flag (emblem) and a reference to the European Union
A reference to the fund: “European Regional Development Fund”
Programme statement: “Innovatively investing in Europe’s Northern Periphery for a sustainable and prosperous future”
Small promotional objects only need to have the EU flag
Failure to comply can lead to grant cuts! The European Court of Auditors is advising programmes to apply a 2% flat rate cut.

5. Publicity Requirements – NPP 2007-2013
Programme logo
To be included on all publications together with EU flag
Visual Guidelines
Mandatory communication tools within first 6 months:
Project website
Project logo
Promotional material for conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc.
Project presentation in PowerPoint format outlining the project’s objectives
Completion of a brief project case study based on an NPP template
Submission of small collection of photos relevant to the project
Expected attendance at joint activities such as:
Lead Partner and partner seminars
One thematic seminar
One additional training seminar

6. Publicity Requirements – Graphical Elements
Example of correct use of the mandatory graphical elements:
Downloadable from the website
Programme is working on developing some downloadable picture files which include ALL mandatory elements.

7. Thank you for listening!