Deadline Date: March 16, 2026
The BlueActionBANOS Open Call invites large, impactful projects capable of driving tangible local change while contributing to Mission Ocean and Waters objectives across the Baltic and North Sea basin.
The focus areas of this call include impactful solutions that are innovative for their community aimed at achieving one or several interlinked Mission Ocean and Waters objectives in the Baltic and North Sea basin, a participatory approach that empowers local stakeholders, builds on their local know-how and application of sustainable practices, and encourages their long-term commitment to Mission Ocean and Waters objectives, financial support ranging from €200,000 to €2 million per Action, ongoing operational support provided by dedicated Project Key Accounts along with tailored technical assistance for up to 24 months, consortia of 2 to 12 entities registered in the Baltic and North Sea basin countries, EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Country eligibility, proposals focusing on the BANOS lighthouse area, and actions addressing at least one of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters objectives: protection and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, prevention and elimination of pollution of our ocean, seas and waters, and making the sustainable blue economy carbon-neutral and circular.
This Open Call targets area-based or interest-based stakeholder groups proposing solutions that generate local impact. Between 5 and 15 Community-Led Actions will be selected, and each initiative must demonstrate strong local relevance and innovation within the community it aims to benefit. The initiative encourages applicants to design activities driven by local knowledge and participation, ensuring long-term engagement and commitment to Mission Ocean and Waters goals.
Selected projects will gain access to significant financial support aligned with the scale of the proposed action. In addition to funding, teams will receive operational and technical support from Project Key Accounts to maximise quality and implementation success throughout the 24-month support period.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities within BANOS communities, such as regional and local authorities, NGOs, foundations, professional associations, education and research organisations, locally based companies, SMEs and startups, knowledge brokers, cooperatives, enterprises promoting skills and inclusion, financial institutions supporting sustainable investments, and other relevant registered organisations.
For more information, visit BlueActionBANOS.
