Application Procedure
In this section, you will find information about the different steps and technical concepts in the application process. An application to Creative Europe must be submitted through the European Commission's platform, the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal (FTOP).
The Creative Europe Desk Armenia has prepared a glossary of key terms, where you can find the most frequently used terms in the programme.
The application process for the Creative Europe programme consists of several main stages. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process.
Step 1: Create a User for FTOP
To begin your application, you must first create an EU Login account on the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal (FTOP).
All you need is your email address to set it up.
👉 Use this link to create your account.
Step 2: Register Your Organization: Get Your PIC (Participant Identification Code)
To apply for any project under the Creative Europe programme, all applicant organizations must have a PIC number (Participant Identification Code). Once you have created an EU Login account, you can register your organization in the Participant Register. The PIC number is generated through the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal (FTOP).
After completing the registration, organizations receive a 9-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC).
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Not sure whether your organization already has a PIC number? You can check by clicking here.
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If your organization is not listed in the register, you can complete the registration here.
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Not sure how to register your organization and obtain a PIC number? In that case, we recommend reviewing this step-by-step guide.
Step 3: Find the Relevant Call and Submit the Application
All applications for the Creative Europe programme must be submitted online via the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal (FTOP).
There are two main ways to find the right call:
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Through the Creative Europe Desk Armenia website: In the "Calls" section, you can find detailed information about the programme, application forms, and direct links to the relevant pages on the FTOP portal.
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By searching directly on the FTOP Portal.
It is recommended to participate in the training sessions organized by the European Commission, where the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal is explained in detail. The online training session is available here. All the necessary application forms and documents required for preparing and submitting an application are available on the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal.
Before starting the application process for a Creative Europe grant project, it is strongly recommended to contact the Creative Europe Desk Armenia, which serves as the official information office for the programme in Armenia.
The Desk team is ready to assist and guide you in:
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Identifying which funding strand best matches the specific characteristics of your project;
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Supporting you through the application preparation and submission process.
Step 4: Complete the 3 Components of the Application
When you click the "Start Submission" button on the relevant project page in the FTOP portal, you will gain access to the project’s application form, budget form, and required annexes.
The application consists of three main parts:
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Part A
An online form containing the project’s basic information, details about the partners, and the requested amount of funding.
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Part B
The project description, budget, and required annexes. Here, you must use the mandatory templates. The templates are downloaded from the portal, completed offline, and then uploaded back onto the platform.
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Part C
An online form with administrative information about the project, including its objectives and priorities.
NOTE: The application must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM (Brussels Time) on the day of the application deadline. However, it is strongly recommended to submit a few days earlier to avoid any technical issues.
Templates
📎 On the FTOP portal, you can find sample templates for all types of project applications.
TIPS: Here are a few practical tips on how to navigate the page:
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Under the Filters section, select Creative Europe from the "Programs" dropdown menu.
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In the Templates & Forms section, open Application Forms.
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Select the Culture strand.
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Application forms related to Creative Europe – Culture are marked with the abbreviations CREA CULTURE or CREA CULT.
Important Note: The templates available in this section are only examples. Applicants will gain access to the official application templates only after creating an application on the FTOP portal, and only while the calls are open (usually for around 3 months). It is mandatory to use the templates made available to you at the time of application creation. It is not allowed to use templates from previous calls. Through this funding, Creative Europe aims to improve access to European cultural and creative works and to promote innovation and creativity.
Step 5: Application Submission
When the application is fully completed, you must click the "submit application" button. The application must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM (Brussels time) on the day of the application deadline. Once the application has been successfully submitted, the applicant organization will receive a confirmation message in the FTOP portal. The description of the specific call also includes a timeline indicating when organizations can expect to receive a response. However, delays sometimes occur. Typically, it takes around 6 months from the application deadline to receive a response.
Tip: It is highly recommended to submit your application at least 2 days before the final deadline. Before the official deadline, it is possible to resubmit a more updated version of the application - only the most recently submitted version will be evaluated. This way, the applicant can ensure that the application is successfully submitted even if any technical issues arise on the day of the deadline.
Systems and Roles
All applications for the Creative Europe programme must be submitted online through the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal (FTOP), which is the official platform of the European Commission.
Below you will find a selection of useful guides to help applicants navigate and effectively use the portal’s features:
📄 European Commission’s Guide: How to find and apply for funding opportunities on FTOP. This guide explains how to register, find a call, and submit an application.
🌐 Online Manual: A detailed step-by-step guide covering all the key aspects of using FTOP.
🖥 Webinar for Beginners: An introduction to the features of the FTOP portal, explained clearly and accessibly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Find answers to the most common questions about using the FTOP platform.
LEAR (Legal Entity Appointed Representative)
Each organization must appoint a LEAR (Legal Entity Appointed Representative). The LEAR is the only person authorized to access and update the organization’s data and information after the legal registration has been validated by the European Commission team in Brussels.
📌 It is highly recommended reviewing the official guide on how to appoint and validate a LEAR.
Experiencing technical issues? Contact the EU’s IT Helpdesk
If you encounter technical problems during the application submission process, you must immediately contact the EU’s IT Helpdesk in Brussels — and do so before 5:00 PM (Brussels Time) on the application deadline day.
📧 Email: eacea-helpdesk@ec.europa.eu
📞 Phone: +32 2 299 0705
❓ Also check the IT Helpdesk’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for quick answers.
TIPS
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If you have any questions or doubts, it is highly recommended to contact the Creative Europe Desk Armenia before you begin preparing your application. The team can quickly assess whether your organization meets the eligibility criteria and whether your project is suitable for funding under the Creative Europe Culture Strand.
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If your project is selected for funding, your organization will be invited to participate in the so-called Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) phase. During this stage, the contract is drawn up, and the final project details are defined. For example, the European Commission may review your proposed budget and request changes or clarifications. At this stage, the Commission also evaluates the applicant organization's capacity to manage an EU-funded project. The GAP phase can last 1–3 months, and in some cases, even longer. The project can only start after the contract has been signed.
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Applications are evaluated using a points-based system, and they are ranked based on the total number of points received. Projects with the highest scores are awarded funding within the limits of the programme’s overall budget. There is strong competition for Creative Europe funding, so it is essential that your application fully meets the criteria set by the European Commission. It is important to note that even if you have consulted with Creative Europe Desk Armenia and received feedback, this does not guarantee funding. Everything depends on the total number of applicants in that specific call and the overall quality of submitted applications.
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Never be discouraged by a rejection. Many successful applicants receive funding only on their third or even fourth attempt. If your organization and project are eligible but do not receive a high enough score, the European Commission will provide a written evaluation. It is recommended reading this carefully and using it to strengthen your strategy for future submissions. In the case of a rejection, you are always welcome to schedule a meeting with Creative Europe Desk Armenia to review the evaluation and discuss your next steps.