As Europa Media Group marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, we sat down with Gabor Kitley, CEO and co-founder, to reflect on the company’s journey, its contributions to the European research and innovation landscape, and its vision for the future. What started as a serendipitous venture has grown into a market leader in training and consultancy within the field of EU research and innovation landscape, and a highly-respected coordinator and research collaborator in over hundreds of projects under the framework programmes.
From its humble beginnings, Europa Media was born out of coincidences, ambition, and resilience. Gabor and his former business partner—fresh out of university—first ventured into the world of EU-funded projects when they stumbled upon a call for proposals under the 5th Framework Programme (FP5). With no grand business plan, they submitted a proposal on mining waste, and unknowingly embarked on a path that would see them coordinating one of Hungary’s first EU projects, even before the country joined the European Union. “We didn’t plan to run projects or provide educational courses—we just wanted a job,” Gabor recalls. But their ability to seize opportunities and adapt to challenges laid the foundation for what Europa Media is today.
Over the years, Europa Media has built a reputation for its unique, hands-on approach to training and consultancy. The team’s real-world experience as active project coordinators and partners in well over 100 projects from FP5 to Horizon Europe, has been instrumental in shaping their services. “We were never just trainers; we were doers. Everything we teach, we’ve learned by doing it ourselves,” Gabor explains. Participants at their courses don’t just learn theory—they practice, fail, and succeed, leaving with the skills and confidence to manage complex EU projects.
What sets Europa Media apart is its practical focus and commitment to empowering others. Instead of offering ready-made solutions, the team focuses on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle their unique challenges independently. Whether through workshops, mock audits, or in-depth training, the goal is always to ensure participants leave better equipped to succeed. “We’ve created a positive impact on people’s lives and organisations, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” Gabor shares.
Looking ahead, Gabor envisions a future where Europa Media continues to innovate and lead in its field, staying true to its values. “In another 25 years, if Europa Media still stands as a company that’s useful, purposeful, and synonymous with quality, I’ll be proud,” he says. His hope is to pass on the company to the right people, ensuring its legacy as a trusted partner in the research and innovation community.
Through a quarter-century of growth, challenges, and successes, one thing remains clear: Europa Media isn’t just a workplace—it’s a mission. “We never give up, and we never let our participants leave without understanding what they came to learn,” Gabor says. This ethos has not only earned the trust of clients but also cemented Europa Media’s place as a cornerstone of Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
For anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of Horizon Europe funding, Europa Media stands ready to provide the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed. Here's to the next 25 years of empowering research and innovation across Europe.
