The preparatory phase of the project: laying the foundations
Previously, we presented how the Information Obligations of Beneficiaries under the Széchenyi Plan Plus (KTK Plusz) have changed. Now let us take a closer look at the mandatory communication tools. In the following blog posts, we will explain which publicity elements are required at each stage of implementation and what aspects require particular attention.
Let us begin with the elements of the project preparatory phase.
The Information Obligations of Beneficiaries under the Széchenyi Plan Plus (KTK Plusz) stipulate that project communication must already begin during the preparatory phase. The objective is to ensure proper planning, prepare credible communication, and secure social acceptance.
Below we present all communication elements; however, some of them are not mandatory for projects with lower total budgets.
Mandatory elements and implementation rules
1. Preparation of a communication plan
The communication plan is the core document underlying all project communication activities. It includes the communication tools to be used, the schedule, and the estimated costs. The Beneficiary must prepare this document before signing the grant agreement. Without it, project communication activities cannot begin. The communication plan must be approved by the Managing Authority, and implementation may only start after approval.
- it must be submitted before the grant agreement is signed, as it is one of the prerequisites for contracting
- the plan must include the communication tools, their costs, and the implementation timeline
- every communication tool must be described in detail (e.g. 300 copies of an A4 brochure, an event for 50 participants, etc.); otherwise, the plan may be rejected
- implementation may only begin after approval by the Managing Authority
2. Information materials (printed or electronic)
During the preparatory phase, the objectives and expected results of the development must be presented in printed or electronic form (e.g. infographics, social media posts, local press articles). It is important that all materials include the mandatory visual identity information block featuring the Széchenyi Plan Plus, the Hungarian Government, and the European Union logos in the prescribed format. The aim is to ensure that the public and the relevant target groups are informed about the development from the very beginning.
- all materials must contain the mandatory visual identity information block (EU flag, the phrase “Co-financed by the European Union”, the Széchenyi Plan Plus logo, and the Hungarian Government logo)
- materials should be easy to understand, attention-grabbing, and professionally designed
- for printed materials, the use of environmentally friendly materials is recommended
- approval by the Managing Authority is required before publication
3. Updating the website and social media platforms
The Beneficiary must publish information about the project on its own website and social media platforms within 30 days, including the project objectives, expected results, and the fact that the development is implemented with EU support. The content must be kept up to date until the completion of the project.
- on the website, after opening the homepage, the beneficiary information block and the menu item leading to the subpage presenting EU-funded developments must be displayed in a clearly visible position that does not require scrolling
- on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), the information must appear as a pinned post
- approval by the Managing Authority is required before publication
The published content must include:
- the title and objectives of the project, as well as the expected results,
- the name of the beneficiary, the project identification number, and the amount of support received,
- and the following sentence: “The project was implemented with the support of the European Union and co-financing by the Hungarian State.”
If the beneficiary does not have a website, the use of social media platforms alone is sufficient.
During the preparatory phase, well-planned communication lays the foundation for effective publicity throughout the implementation phase. In our next blog post, we will cover the publicity elements required during project implementation.
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