PM Agora 2025 is about recognising and responding to the real needs of EU project managers. It’s about asking what it means to build meaningful, impactful, and sustainable projects and how we can better support those who make that happen. Project management isn’t just about budgets and deliverables; it’s about navigating shifting policies, managing complex relationships, and doing work that often stretches far beyond a job description.
From 1-3 October 2025, in Larnaca, Cyprus, PM Agora brings together EU project professionals for three days of learning, unlearning, connection, and care. Hosted by the Academy of Entrepreneurship, T-Hap, and InnoEUsphere, this event offers more than the usual conference buzzwords. It’s a space to reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and how we can collectively move toward a healthier, more inclusive project culture.
You will remember AKEP, as a coalition partner with us on the RESMOVE project. We have come to trust their expertise and insights as we have worked together, and so we can recommend PM Agora wholeheartedly!
What project managers are really dealing with
Project management within the EU context brings a unique set of demands. These aren’t just logistical or administrative hurdles. They’re deeply human challenges that shape the day-to-day experience of doing this work. The expectations are high. The stakes are real. And more often than not, the people holding it all together are doing so under immense, and often invisible, pressure.
Budget pressure is constant
EU-funded projects come with stringent financial guidelines. While these rules are essential for accountability, they often leave little room for flexibility. Project managers must meticulously plan and justify every expense, navigating complex co-financing requirements and eligibility criteria.
Moreover, budgets are typically fixed at the proposal stage, long before the project’s realities unfold. Unexpected costs, inflation, or shifts in project scope can strain these pre-set budgets, forcing project managers to make difficult decisions without compromising the project’s integrity.
Deadlines don’t always match the work
Time constraints are a common issue. Deadlines are often established based on optimistic projections rather than grounded assessments of the project’s complexity. This misalignment can lead to overworked teams, rushed deliverables, and compromised quality.
Additionally, the administrative processes involved in EU projects can be time-consuming. Delays in approvals or funding disbursements can compress already tight timelines, leaving project managers scrambling to meet expectations.
Change management is a daily reality
Change is a constant in EU projects. Policy shifts, partner organisation changes, or unforeseen external events can disrupt the project’s trajectory. Project managers must be adept at adjusting plans, reallocating resources, and maintaining stakeholder alignment amidst these changes.
However, many project managers report a lack of formal training in change management, leaving them to rely on experience and intuition to steer projects through turbulent waters.
The invisible load
Beyond logistical challenges, project managers often shoulder significant emotional responsibilities. They act as the linchpin between diverse stakeholders, mediate conflicts, and maintain team morale. This emotional labour is taxing and frequently goes unrecognised.
The pressure to deliver results, coupled with limited authority in decision-making, can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness. Over time, this can erode job satisfaction and contribute to burnout.
The silent epidemic
Burnout among project managers is a growing concern. A study by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work found that 46% of workers experience severe time pressure or work overload.
The relentless pace, coupled with high expectations and limited support, creates a perfect storm for chronic stress. Symptoms like exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy are alarmingly common, yet discussions around mental health remain stigmatised in many professional settings.
Why PM Agora matters
PM Agora isn’t just about improving how we work, it’s about improving how we feel at work. It’s about creating stronger projects by supporting the people behind them. This year’s event features hands-on workshops, peer-led labs, and open conversations around:
- EU project design & funding strategies: Learn how to create responsive, effective projects that align with new policy directions and funding mechanisms.
- Strategic influence & collaboration: Explore how to build better partnerships, co-create across sectors, and shape EU programme dynamics without falling into unhealthy competition.
- Wellbeing & resilience: Reflect on what sustainability means beyond environmental goals because it also includes your mental health, energy, and long-term engagement in the field.
What to expect in Cyprus
PM Agora 2025 will take place in Larnaca, Cyprus, a coastal city known for its mix of calm and culture. The agenda includes expert sessions on EU funding, innovation, sustainability, and AI, alongside real conversations about burnout, stress, and the emotional challenges of project life. There will also be team-building activities, informal networking moments, and a warm welcome evening on 1 October to set the tone for the days ahead. Early bird tickets are €210 (available until 1 June), with standard tickets priced at €250 thereafter.
Better projects start with better conditions for the people behind them. That’s the driving belief behind PM Agora. Representation, wellbeing, collaboration, impact all depend on how we show up, how we’re supported, and whether we’re seen as more than just managers of tasks.
PM Agora 2025 is a place to reflect, ask questions, and build new ways of doing project work, ways that prioritise people, not just performance. Whether you’re there to upskill, connect, or catch your breath, you’re welcome.