Project Management Methodology is continuously evolving.

The FAQs, along with other interactive elements of this website, will ideally provide sources of information to generate and encourage this development. Users are requested to participate to the maximum of their time available to support this process.

Top questions

Does the EU support Project Management Methodology?

The development of a new Project Management Methodology was strongly encouraged by the European Union. It was agreed at both the 2015 and the 2016 annual meetings on Council of Europe/European Union co-operation that Project Management Methodology "would be used in order to ensure best possible effectiveness and efficiency of joint undertakings."

The new Project Management Methodology responds to developments both at the Council of Europe and the European Union to focus more on results and outcomes in particular.

In what ways is Project Management Methodology different from PRINCE2, CAPM or other project management certifications?

The co-operation programme aspect of Council of Europe project management is significantly different from business development project management. The primary objectives of Council of Europe projects are often legal, legislative or social changes. These call for consideration of change in terms of outcomes and impact, and engagement and co-operation with beneficiaries and target groups as project stakeholders. These are not features of business sector project management.

What is new in Project Management Methodology?

Project Management Methodology focuses on four specific objectives for Council of Europe project management: Council of Europe strategy and values, results-based management, a human rights approach and work in the field.

Links and connections to Council of Europe work are more clearly defined and emphasised. A much more structured approach to project boards and governance, risk management and mitigating risks, communication and quality control is also provided for.

Project Management Methodology introduces an overall human rights approach to integrate different cross-cutting policy and strategies such as the gender mainstreaming strategy, and civil society participation. The approach also introduces greater focus on stakeholders, and target groups and beneficiaries in particular, providing recommendations for distinguishing between duty-bearers and rights-holders to target activities, outputs, and outcomes better.

Who wrote the handbook?

The handbook was written over a long reiterative process by colleagues. It began with a comprehensive and exhaustive approach to project management provided by a global consultancy firm which was then specifically tailored to the Council of Europe context through collaborative drafting with field-based and Strasbourg-based project managers.