From October 1st to 3rd, 2025, project professionals from across Europe gathered in Larnaka, Cyprus, not just to attend another event — but to co‑create something different.

Born from an idea envisioned two years ago by Alessandro Carbone, Christina Achilleos, and Andreas Stefanidis, PM AGORA began as a shared belief that EU project managers deserved more than fragmented training sessions and impersonal conferences. Its first edition in Athens in 2024 proved that this community already existed — and was ready to connect.

This year in Larnaka, PM AGORA 2025 took that vision a step further: transforming from an inspiring gathering into a growing institutional platform — a collective of professionals united by common goals, shared challenges, and the drive to shape the future of their work.

Brought to life by three organisations — the Academy of Entrepreneurship, T‑Hap, and InnoEUsphere — and the dedicated teams behind them, PM AGORA was created by and for those who live and breathe EU projects every day. People who know what it means to draft proposals under pressure, navigate complex funding frameworks, and lead cross‑border teams while maintaining balance and dignity.

In Larnaka — a city defined by openness, culture, and collaboration — this vision found the perfect home. Over three days, PM AGORA proved once again that when the right people come together, a conference can become a community, and a profession can begin to find its collective voice.

Warming Up: The Prelude by the Sea

Before diving into the two full days of collaborative work, the PM AGORA community gathered for a gentle start: the Prelude — a relaxed, informal evening that set the tone for what was to come.

Hosted by our amazing partners at InnoEUsphere, this welcome gathering took place at the beautiful LIV Mackenzie rooftop, overlooking the serene coastline of Larnaka. With the sea breeze in the air, good music in the background, and the glow of the city just before sunset, it was the perfect atmosphere to break the ice and unwind.

Free from the pressure of deadlines or session schedules, we had the chance to get to know each other as people — not just professionals. It was here, over laughs and first conversations, that the first real connections were made. The kind that would later turn into workshop collaborations, shared reflections, and new partnerships.

The Prelude reminded us that community doesn’t start in a meeting room. It begins in trust, curiosity, and the simple act of showing up — together.

AI Grant Writing: Rethinking the Process

In the day’s first workshop, Igor Razbornik took us straight into one of the hottest topics in the field: AI-powered grant writing. But rather than promoting AI as a shortcut, he invited us to reflect on the value of mentorship, prototyping, and early-stage feedback. His insights were backed by data and practical strategies for changing that reality. The workshop wasn’t about tools, but about culture: slowing down, structuring our thinking, and using AI with intention.

Think Positive, Work Smart: The Human Factor

Next, Marianella Parra brought a much-needed focus on wellbeing. Her session challenged us to rethink how we work — not through fluffy affirmations, but through positive psychology, practical methods, and lean time-management tools that help teams stay focused and avoid burnout. It was a space to breathe, reflect, and realign with why we do this work in the first place.

Parallel Labs: From Policy to Practice

In the afternoon, the event shifted into Interactive Labs — four breakout sessions that allowed participants to dive deep into specific thematic areas:

• Lobbying & EU Influence with Leonardo Lorusso offered a rare look at how policy is shaped in Brussels, and how project managers can become more proactive players — not just implementers, but agenda-setters.
• PM² Certification with Harry Konstantopoulos unpacked the European Commission’s endorsed methodology, with hands-on guidance on applying it to everyday project management challenges.
• The Future of Work with Konstantinos Georgiou opened our eyes to the scale of upcoming transformations. By 2030, nearly 60% of workers will need to upskill or reskill — and our projects, teams, and systems need to be ready.
• Policy Monitoring for Projects with Astrid Hannes brought a powerful case study from ERRIN, reminding us that real-time policy scanning isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for strategic, sustainable projects.

Each lab was hands-on, with small group discussions, case applications, and participant interaction — a refreshing change from passive listening.

Day 2: From Inclusion to Influence

If the first day of PM AGORA was about grounding ourselves — in knowledge, community, and real challenges — the second day was about elevation. It was a day of strategy, shared responsibility, and envisioning the road ahead for EU project professionals.

From Inclusion to Practical Tools: Morning Workshops

The first workshop, led by Sylvia Liuti (FormAzione), explored how we can genuinely engage stakeholders while embedding gender mainstreaming in all phases of project management. Far from a checklist approach, Sylvia’s session offered practical tools and frameworks to foster real, balanced cooperation — built on empathy, respect, and structure. Her approach positioned gender not as an “add-on,” but as a lens through which meaningful stakeholder engagement becomes possible. The group walked away with tools for mapping influence, conflict navigation, and strengthening horizontal collaboration.

Next, Kelly Diapouli (Artistic Director of Larnaka 2030) brought the conversation into the space of cultural innovation and long-term impact. Her workshop tackled a critical question: What happens after a project ends? Using examples from the Larnaka 2030 ecosystem, Kelly demonstrated how arts and culture can act as anchors for continuity, turning temporary funding into sustainable legacies. Her storytelling-based method offered participants a fresh way to think about the lifecycle of a project — not just as a funding cycle, but as a platform for ongoing impact.

A Call to Step Forward: Advocacy and Institutional Voice

The afternoon shifted into bolder territory. Leonardo Lorusso opened a crucial discussion on how EU project managers can become more than implementers — and begin to act as a recognisable collective voice in shaping the future of EU funding frameworks. His session, Building Influence, laid out the rationale and steps toward forming a representative body: how it could function, whom it could serve, and why now is the time to act. This wasn’t an abstract idea. It was an invitation.

This led naturally into the Fireside Chat and Breakout Discussions, where participants split into smaller groups to discuss:

• The formation of a representative body for EU project managers (led by Leonardo),

• The interplay between public and private stakeholders in EU funding, facilitated by Andreas Stefanidis (Academy of Entrepreneurship).

These weren’t panels or speeches — they were working groups, where real-time reflection met collective brainstorming. The level of honesty, humility, and ambition in the room was striking.

Closing with Commitment

The final session, co-facilitated by Aimilia Markouizou-Gkika and Helena Stamou, was an open, participatory evaluation of the two days — but it quickly turned into something more. Participants didn’t just offer feedback — they made commitments. To stay in touch. To build together. To continue shaping PM AGORA not just as an event, but as a movement.

Supporters Who Made It Possible

PM AGORA 2025 would not have been possible without the trust and support of its sponsors and partners, whose belief in the mission brought it to life: Magnetar, University of Limassol, Larnaka Tourism, Glocal Factory, Cyprus Diaspora Forum, Hfaistos Educational Association of Athens, UCLan Cyprus, and UNITEE – New European Business Confederation.

A heartfelt thanks also goes to Eptagon BusinessHub & Wellness Centre for hosting the event in such an inspiring and welcoming setting.

Looking Ahead

The conversations ignited in Larnaka — around innovation, advocacy, and well-being — mark just the beginning of a broader movement. The PM Agora community is now taking its next steps: working toward establishing a recognizable professional body capable of representing and advocating for EU Project Managers at institutional level.

As the organisers announced, preparations are already underway for PM Agora 2026, which will take place in Bologna, Italy.

See you there!