Deadline Date: September 23, 2026
The European Commission is seeking grant applications to develop multidisciplinary concepts and solutions for the sustainable governance of global commons in a complex and evolving geopolitical context.
The focus areas of this call include climate governance, biodiversity governance, and the governance of spaces beyond national jurisdiction. It also prioritizes strengthening science-policy interfaces, enhancing citizen engagement, improving international cooperation, reinforcing rules-based multilateralism, and integrating human rights, gender equality, intergenerational justice, and environmental justice into global commons governance.
The funding ranges from €3,500,000 to €4,000,000 per project, with a total allocation of €12,000,000 available under the call.
The call addresses the growing pressures on global commons such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, alongside challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, technological developments, and increasing commercial interests in shared global spaces. It emphasizes the need for improved collective governance mechanisms to prevent environmental degradation and systemic global risks.
The initiative aims to enhance understanding among EU institutions, Member States, international organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders regarding systemic challenges affecting global commons. It also seeks to equip decision-makers and research institutions with tools to strengthen the science-policy interface and improve participation in foreign and security policy processes.
The call further supports research on how governance systems impact intergenerational justice, human rights, and social inclusion, while also exploring civil society participation, Indigenous knowledge systems, and mechanisms for accountability and redress in environmental governance. It encourages analysis of geopolitical tensions and their impact on global cooperation and international stability.
Proposals may address climate governance frameworks such as the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, biodiversity governance frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, or governance of spaces beyond national jurisdiction including oceans, Antarctica, and outer space.
Research activities are expected to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach involving policymakers, diplomats, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders, with strong international collaboration and integration of natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering disciplines.
Eligible applicants include any legal entity established under national, EU, or international law, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations.
For more information, visit European Commission.
