Grants for Government in European Union

Expected Outcome: In support of the implementation of the Mission on Adaptation to climate change and of the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan , the successful project is expected to contribute to multi-level governance for climate adaptation by addressing all of the following outcomes: The relevant national governance for innovation and climate adaptation is further engaged and mobilised to contribute to the objectives of the Adaptation Mission and benefit from it. In turn, the Mission fosters multi-level governance, supporting Member States, regions and local authorities in their efforts to implement the European Climate Law’s requirements on climate adaptation, and to further develop and update their adaptation plans. Mission solutions are disseminated beyond the regions and local authorities actively involved in the Mission and peer learning opportunities (within and outside) the Mission are strengthened, to bridge the gap between the EU, the national and local levels. Scope: Regional and local authorities are the target group of the proposed activities and as such they are not expected to participate directly in the consortium, but they should benefit from the project…

Expected Outcome: Activities under this topic will support the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food , the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 , including the implementation of the EU Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive, the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Water Resilience Strategy, and the forthcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: enhanced monitoring of soils at subnational level (e.g. regions and municipalities) leading to an overall improved soil resilience against extreme weather events, particularly in terms of soils’ capacity to withstand and recover from floods, droughts, heatwaves and broader temperature fluctuations; tailored soil management practices and solutions that improve soil health are adopted, promoting sustainable land management, enhancing food system resilience, including food security [1] , and strengthening the overall resilience of agricultural systems to current and future climate extreme events. Scope: Developing and scaling practical solutions to enhance soils’ resilience to extreme weather events is crucial for climate change adaptation. As extreme weather events like…

Expected Outcome: This topic aims at directly engaging and supporting public authorities and other relevant socio-economic actors (e.g. farmers, landowners, aquaculture producers, tourist operators, fishers, businesses, water management authorities) in addressing aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss, thereby demonstrating and accelerating the transitions needed for achieving one or several objectives of the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”. The direct involvement of relevant authorities and stakeholders in the consortium is strongly encouraged. Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Member States and Associated Countries are provided with cost-effective solutions to reach the targets of the Water Framework and the Marine Strategy Framework directives, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and the EU strategy for sustainable chemicals and are enabled to take action to implement the targets of the EU biodiversity, climate adaptation and water resilience strategies for 2030 and the EU zero pollution action plan; National, regional and local authorities and other relevant stakeholders have access to and are supported in…

Expected Outcome: In line with the EU Adaptation Strategy and the objectives of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, successful proposals will support the preservation of cultural heritage (moveable, immoveable and natural with cultural significance) under a changing climate. Project results are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes: Innovative solutions for protecting and preserving cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change have been demonstrated and are made widely available for upscaling and deployment across the European Union and beyond. This includes nature-based solutions. Regional and local authorities hosting cultural heritage are better prepared to preserve it under a changing climate. Relevant stakeholders - including heritage scientists and managers, climate scientists, regional and local policymakers, civil society and representatives from the tourism industry - have co-created and put in place climate-resilient solutions. Citizens and local communities have also been engaged in the process. Scope: Rationale As the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, economic losses associated with it are also increasing.…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Implementation of the NWRSA methodology for secondary rural roads; Innovative and effective enforcement strategies, incentive mechanisms and measures raising risk awareness for fostering safer behaviour; Prevention strategies for reducing road fatalities and serious road traffic injuries on rural roads along with the respective implementation guidelines and policy measures tailored to the responsible stakeholders (regional authorities, police, healthcare professionals, national governments, etc.); GIS-based application to assist local and regional authorities in identifying and mapping the impact of extreme weather phenomena and other natural disasters (such as floods, fires, storms, heavy snowfall etc.) on the safety and resilience of the road network in their jurisdiction. Scope: With more than 50% of all EU road fatalities occurring in rural areas along with evidence suggesting that crashes and crash-related fatalities in rural roads vary from those in urban roads or motorways, it is imperative to understand and mitigate the safety risks in rural roads in view of the EU’s…

Expected Outcome: Activities should align with the international goals of the European Green Deal, specifically contribute to the EU soil strategy for 2030 , the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 , the Zero Pollution Action Plan , and the proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive . In broader terms, the activities will also support EU’s efforts towards Ukraine's long-term reconstruction , focusing on reducing soil pollution and facilitating restoration, in line with the Ukraine Plan . Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: strengthened regional R&I ecosystems and enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I approaches, allowing for effective cooperation between research, practice and policy to tackle soil health challenges in Ukraine arising from military actions and other indirect pressures; increased uptake and application of soil related and practice-oriented knowledge by farmers, land managers, foresters, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders for improved soil health and related ecosystem services; deepened awareness among policymakers of local needs and constraints…

Expected Outcome: The successful proposal will contribute to the implementation of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: The wide range of solutions tested and deployed in the context of the Adaptation Mission and the good practices emerged in its Community of Practice are harvested, assessed, structured and systematised to support the implementation of the Mission. Regional and local authorities can access, in the local language, the latest and most actionable solutions for climate adaptation relevant to their (climatic) conditions. Adaptation solutions stemming from research and innovation are ready for replication and scale-up, contributing to the delivery of the Adaptation Mission and acceleration of adaptation efforts across Europe. Legacy of the knowledge created by the Mission is also ensured. Knowledge and understanding of the policy implications of adaptation solutions is increasingly utilised in the policy cycles at EU, national, and regional and local levels. Scope: Rationale Grounded in Research and Innovation, EU Missions aim to mobilise…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes. Country government innovation info sheets, trends, inspiring good practices, the most innovative solutions recently developed or work in progress for next-generation governance and future-informed public decision making in EU Member States and Associated Countries (MS/AC). Policy recommendations for both EU level and MS/AC level actions on adopting new governance paradigms, and strategies for enhanced (technical and financial) support for internal government innovation efforts. Publication of lessons learned to enlighten government officials and the public about the often-invisible internal innovation strategies and impactful solutions in national governments. A comprehensive MOOC (Massive Online Open Course) for government officials with relevant examples and cases. Fostering of closer ties and collaboration among MS/AC (and any other relevant actors) to leverage national capabilities in innovative governance and maintain peer learning through e.g. relevant networks and knowledge exchange platforms. Scope: In an era characterized by numerous concurrent crises, accelerated technological…

Expected Outcome: Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Policymakers are made aware and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to integrate inclusive and intersectional perspectives into their policymaking, which strengthens their capacity to promote and protect democracy, fundamental rights, and EU values. Researchers gain insights on how to translate their findings on intersectional inequalities and democracy into actionable, evidence-based recommendations, enabling them to effectively inform policy and practice at local, regional, national, and EU levels. Innovative solutions developed under Horizon Europe and other EU-funding programmes empower equally all citizens, to participate in democratic processes and decision-making. Scope: This call topic aims to establish a Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality. The proposed network should bring together academic institutions, public bodies and civil society organisations to collaborate and promote the advancement of inclusive, equal, and resilient democratic societies. The proposed network should contribute to the development of a comprehensive approach to democracy, fostering a…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: European textiles manufacturers have access to novel technologies for fibre-to-fibre recycling of post-consumer textile waste; local authorities and consumers benefit from resource- and cost-efficient waste management of post-consumer blended textiles; European recyclers are equipped with properly characterised mixed post-consumer textile waste. Scope: The topic aims at improved management of the end-of-life phase of textile products. Textiles are the fourth highest-pressure category for the use of primary raw materials and water and fifth for GHG emissions and a major source of microplastic pollution in production and use phases. They are also a key material and product stream in the circular economy action plan. Proposals are expected to demonstrate and deploy innovative solutions for increased quality, non-toxicity and durability of secondary textile materials and their processing and treatments. Proposals should: address textile consumer products made of fibre blends (e.g. polycotton, or other blends of multiple materials in combination such as synthetic, semi-synthetic and…

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to one or more of the following: Robust AI models and systems capable of resisting different classes of adversarial manipulation; Innovative defence mechanisms for AI models and systems against new attack families; Methodologies for detecting and mitigating attacks, such as data poisoning, backdoor exploitation and misclassification; AI systems leveraging privacy-enhancing technologies that maintain data confidentiality and regulatory compliance, enabling trusted in-house AI deployments (e.g., for governments and enterprises). Scope: The increasing reliance on AI in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and decision-making processes raises concerns about the security and robustness of AI systems. As AI systems become more prevalent, they are increasingly targeted by adversarial attacks that manipulate inputs, compromise training data, or introduce hidden vulnerabilities. This topic aims to strengthen the resilience of AI systems and algorithms against various threats and attacks, such as enhancing their resilience against adversarial attacks, backdoor injections, and data poisoning. Proposals should develop real-time anomaly…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: most Member States and regions [1] have established the bioeconomy as an important policy field. Effective bioeconomy policies and strategies are developed and implemented with specific impact targets in mind; policies and action plans and roadmaps are coordinated across parts of government (e.g. Ministries) and across the quadruple helix (government, sectors, research & innovation, society) to take into account the cross-sectoral and place-based character of the bioeconomy, and the need for a whole of government approach. Platforms are established to facilitate dialogue, experimentation, learning and coordination; all actors of the quadruple helix (e.g. policy makers, NGOs, economic sectors) are aware of the bioeconomy, as well as of the potential and challenges that are specific for their perspective and context. The bioeconomy concept, its principles and its solutions and innovations are mainstreamed by sectors (e.g. food, textiles, chemicals, energy, agriculture, forestry). Scope: Proposals should: establish a European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub to provide innovative…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Development of innovative tools and methodologies to monitor and improve risk awareness across society, integrating diverse community perspectives and leveraging advanced technologies; Development and uptake solutions and tools for the successful increase of safety culture and societal resilience of communities with concrete material, while considering also the inclusion and protection of marginalized populations in disaster scenarios; Creation of comprehensive, inclusive preparedness plans that involve all societal sectors and governance levels, ensuring coordinated and effective responses to disasters (such as from early warning to early action), including scarcity of resources; Establishment of a resilient, adaptive response framework that enhances collaboration between public authorities, communities, and private sectors, improving overall disaster resilience. Scope: Building on the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, this topic should contribute to enhancing risk awareness and disaster preparedness through the development of innovative tools,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: An increased number of local authorities systematically identify and quantify vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces for reuse in neighbourhoods [1] in a context-sensitive way to address local community [1] challenges and needs. Increase in renovated, renatured, or converted spaces that address local community challenges and needs. Scope: Europe’s housing needs, inefficient use of the existing building stock, environmental commitments, and the EU’s goal of “no net land take” by 2050 make a compelling case for reusing the significant number of existing spaces, including buildings and infrastructure, that are vacant, obsolete or underutilised. In Europe, there are, for instance, an estimated 19,000 km² of underutilised brownfield land and 300 km² of vacant or underutilised office space [3] . The reuse of vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces, following circularity [1] and sufficiency principles, can help address community challenges and needs thanks to their typical proximity and connection to essential infrastructure and services. While vacant, obsolete or underutilised…

Expected Outcome: Excellence Hubs allow innovation ecosystems in Widening countries and beyond, to team up and create better linkages between academia, business, government and society. This will foster a place-based innovation culture in Widening countries based on a strategic agenda aligned with regional or national smart specialisation strategies, and clearly identified expectations for economic and societal impacts. Projects should contribute to the following outcomes: Excellent and sustainable regional R&I ecosystems in Widening countries and beyond in relevant domains of cutting-edge science and innovation; Long term joint R&I strategies underpinned by concrete action plans of European relevance; Common investment plans for R&I, including infrastructures, leveraging national, regional and European funds as well as private capital in a synergetic manner; R&I pilot projects alongside a joint strategy and in line with regional and national strategies, notably regional innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3); New competencies and skills for researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals in R&I intensive domains; Strengthened linkages between science, businesses and…

Expected Outcome: Expected results: Strengthened mutual understanding and friendship among citizens at local level; Better opportunities for citizens to experience and appreciate the added value of the EU through a grassroots, community-based approach; An increased sense of belonging to the EU; Long-lasting bond between municipalities and between citizens; Increased cross-border cooperation on similar practical issues of democratic participation between municipalities and between citizens, going beyond cultural exchanges; Increased effectiveness of prevention policies at local level aimed at preventing against domestic violence and violence against children; • Increased inclusion of marginalised communities, disadvantaged groups and groups at risk of discrimination; Improved accessibility for persons with disabilities and better inclusion in the community; Increased citizen participation in inclusive and meaningful cultural activities and organisations and increased citizens’ contact with Europe’s rich cultural heritage, particularly of people belonging to disadvantaged and marginalised communities or to groups at risk of discrimination and children Objective: The programme helps…

Scope: Topic scope: Raising awareness of and building capacity for the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CERV-2026-CHAR-LITI-CHARTER) The Charter strategy underlines the importance of strengthening the application of the Charter through awareness raising and capacity building initiatives. Accordingly, projects under this priority are intended to raise the fundamental rights knowledge of relevant actors. While building on the central role of civil society organisations and human rights defenders, funded projects could involve national, regional and local authorities as partners (co-applicants), with the aim of supporting joint capacity building and awareness raising efforts. The projects funded under this priority should address the capacity building and awareness raising needs on the Charter. In particular, relevant projects should focus on raising awareness and building capacity on at least one of the following topics: the Charter in general and/or the contents of an individual Charter right or several of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter; the Charter’s scope of application; the remedies available in cases of breaches of the Charter rights. In accordance with its…