On 5 February, the VASSAL project supported an online NCP event dedicated to Horizon Europe Twinning, reaching approximately 250 participants mainly from Czechia and Slovakia We were positively surprised by the strong interest and the number of institutions already preparing to apply for upcoming Twinning calls.
During the event, VASSAL shared hands-on experience from both project proposal development and early project implementation. A key challenge we highlighted was staying aligned with timelines and plans in a context where priorities shift and people juggle multiple responsibilities. Such fluctuations inevitably create challenges — but they are also a natural part of collaborative European projects.
One of our strongest recommendations to prospective Twinning coordinators and partners is simple but powerful: communicate continuously — internally and externally. When you understand what is happening across the consortium, you are better equipped to anticipate needs, identify risks early, and resolve issues before they escalate.
The event showcased a wider range of inspiring Czech and Slovak Twinning projects. While numerous experiences were shared, we sincerely hope that VASSAL’s contribution will help others strengthen their proposals and implementation strategies. We truly keep our fingers crossed for their applications.
VASSAL is already seeing clear benefits from the Twinning instrument. Our scientists are gaining increased visibility, including recognition through a Best Paper Award, our network has expanded significantly, and new collaborative projects are already emerging. These achievements would not be possible without highly engaged and enthusiastic partners who actively help steer and drive the project forward.
For institutions that hesitate because they feel “not ready,” our message is simple: try it. Twinning is not only about delivering activities; it is a powerful learning and growth journey.
