Deadline Date: September 17, 2026
The European Commission is seeking applications for research and innovation projects focused on bioremediation and restoration of ecosystems in Ukraine that have been severely contaminated as a result of armed conflicts.
This call provides a total funding envelope of €11,000,000, with an indicative contribution of €5,000,000 to €6,000,000 per project.
The focus areas of this call include the development and deployment of innovative biotechnology and nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration, assessment and mapping of soil, air, and water contamination in conflict-affected areas, application of advanced tools such as Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems for monitoring and prioritisation, and the restoration of ecosystem services through cost-effective and scalable bioremediation techniques including phytoremediation and related approaches.
The objective of this initiative is to support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine’s environment and economy by addressing severe pollution caused by conflict-related damage, strengthening biodiversity protection, advancing zero-pollution goals, and contributing to the circular economy in line with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, EU bioeconomy strategy, EU Biotech Act, and the Strategy for European Life Sciences.
Projects funded under this topic are expected to assess levels of soil, water, and air contamination across affected regions in Ukraine and identify priority areas for intervention. Proposals should develop and adapt innovative testing and monitoring methods, including the use of Earth observation data and advanced analytical tools, to support evidence-based remediation planning. They should also design, test, and demonstrate biotechnology and nature-based remediation solutions under real conflict-affected conditions, while ensuring long-term monitoring of ecosystem recovery and resilience to climate change.
A strong emphasis is placed on real-world demonstration activities in selected areas within Ukraine, alongside evaluation of environmental and social impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. Projects must ensure transparent engagement with local communities and stakeholders and provide policy-relevant recommendations to national authorities, EU institutions, and international organisations involved in recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Consortia are expected to follow a multi-actor approach, involving land managers, local administrators, Ukrainian research institutions, and relevant stakeholders, with participation from SMEs strongly encouraged to enhance innovation and implementation capacity.
Eligibility is open to any legal entity, including those from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided Horizon Europe conditions are met. Applicants must register in the Participant Register and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) prior to grant agreement preparation.
For more information, visit EC.
