Using Internet sites to inform potential beneficiaries & the public: the Greek experience Ivana Doulgerof CSF Management Organisation Unit Programming & Communication

2 Two I & P Objectives Enhance transparency Inform the public on the EU policies’ impact Ensures wider dissemination on funding opportunities Informs potential applicants on procedures Informs the public on the results of the Structural Funds support in Greece Promotes successful initiatives to serve as examples to implementing bodies

3 Invitations to tender: financial support schemes employment social support education / training : Target Group: citizens enterprises – entrepreneurs, other bodies (NGOs, universities)

4 Characteristics - Services Single platform, web based search engine Simple, user-friendly search options Information & Links to the implementing authorities Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) Automatic alerts (newsletter) “My basket” area Help Desk  by attribute / type of support  by sector of interest  by target group  advanced search

5 Extra filters Project description Potential beneficiaries Area Deadlines Title and short description Deadline Implementation area Terms & conditions Funding details Contact - Documentation More details

6 Newsletter members: Messages: 784 Calls of proposals: Data 9/11/07

7 Evaluation - on line users responded 9 out of 10: the site facilitates the citizens’ access to the CSF 4 out of 10 visit the site daily 5 out of 10: applied in programmes found in the site 8 out 10 of these applications were successful

What is a “best practice” – and where? A successful project? A large scale project? An innovative project? An important project for the economy of the country? A social cohesion project? An environmental friendly project? Is a best practice in Greece also a best practice in Germany / Italy / Spain? Is a best practice on a remote island or a rural area also a best practice in the capital?

9 Best Practices Sound management Contributing to the OP strategic objectives Original / Innovative / Exemplary Successful, complete, operational Target Group: Citizens Implementing Bodies

10 Search Results List of Projects Area More details Title of best practice Project details Contact details Photos, images etc Description of project Why is it a best practice?

11 Work Flow Managing Authorities on line updating the database– additional documentation Intranet Sites verifying & editing verifying & editing incoming data cross checking & collecting data directly from implementing bodies cross checking & collecting data directly from implementing bodies content management content management upgrading upgrading maintaining “network” maintaining “network” CSF Management Organisation Unit Public INTERNET Internet Sites General Public Specialized Users Both sites co-financed by the European Union

12 Challenges Accurate & up to date information / to the point / value added (content) Usability is the key word Complex projects

13 Thank you for your attention Ivana Doulgerof