About Astrid Mechel - EU Funding Consulting

Hello! I’m Astrid Mechel, EU funding and proposal writing expert with more than 20 years of hands-on experience across the full EU funding ecosystem, including as a European Commission Programme Manager, National Contact Point, and now consultant, trainer and evaluator.

My core focus is on Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. I support universities, research institutes, companies and other organisations in developing competitive proposals and navigating the full application process, from identifying the right funding Call to submitting a high-quality grant application. Thematically, I work mainly on sustainability projects, including environment and climate action, and on projects with a social impact focus.

Beyond Horizon Europe, I also support NGOs, public authorities and SMEs applying for other EU funding programmes, and explicitly welcome organisations that are new to EU funding and ready to take their first step.

With more than 20 years of experience in EU funding and proposal writing, I am here to help you secure the funding your project needs …

… so that you have more time to focus on your core work, while I make sure your proposal is as strong and competitive as possible.

My background and how I can help you

I am an economist by education and also hold an M.A. in International Politics. Originally from Northern Germany, I have been based in Brussels for many years. I speak German, English, French and Dutch, and some Spanish as well.

I work primarily with universities, research institutes, and companies seeking EU project funding through Horizon Europe, as well as with NGOs and public authorities applying for grants in areas such as environment, climate action, and social inclusion. My thematic focus is on research and innovation, sustainable development, education, and climate action.

Throughout my career I have seen that navigating EU funding is not straightforward, even for experienced organisations. The complexity of the rules for participation, and the specific know-how needed to write a competitive grant application, present a real challenge at every level. That means valuable research and projects can go unfunded when the proposal falls short of communicating their value clearly enough to evaluators.

That is exactly where I can help.

Why work with me?

I have worked on EU funding from every angle: as a Programme Manager at the European Commission, as a Project Manager managing the complete grant cycle from selection to project end at an Executive Agency, as a nominated National Contact Point for Horizon, and as a grant applicant myself.
Today, I also serve as an independent expert evaluator for Horizon Europe and Erasmus proposals, which means my advice directly reflects how proposals are assessed right now.
I work with a select number of clients at a time, which means you receive focused and dedicated support throughout the process, whether that means guiding you through the application or taking on a larger part of the writing myself.
My years of training and workshop delivery mean I can explain complex EU funding concepts clearly and adapt my support to your level of experience.

Interested in working with me or do you have any questions?