Deploying circular systemic solutions through living labs in cities and regions (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)

Closed

Code: 39500 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-01-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

This topic supports the implementation of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).

It builds on a series of CCRI-related topics funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, and replicated every one to two programming year since 2021.

The goal is to accelerate place-based innovation, boost skills and capacities and support the implementation of solutions for a circular systemic transition at city or region level. Implementing circular systemic solutions reduces environmental impacts and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, by decreasing the extraction of primary raw materials and minimizing waste generation.

Open topic: Uncovering the causes of specific species’ rapid decline and exploring actionable solutions

Closed

Code: 39497 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

As a result of unsustainable human activities, the global population of wild species is estimated to have fallen by more than 70% over the last 50 years. This is notably documented for bird populations, with long-term trends demonstrating that Europe has experienced a major decline in biodiversity. Some species that were considered common in the past have recently been assessed as threatened or endangered.

Living labs for co-creating solutions for the restoration of ecosystems

Closed

Code: 39494 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

The EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 defines nature restoration objectives in line with target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation provides that Member States shall put in place effective and area-based restoration measures.

Living labs have the potential to empower a green transition towards nature restoration and climate change mitigation and adaptation by developing solutions in a co-creative manner and involving actors in real life settings to achieve large-scale impact and foster collaboration between sectors and communities.

Unlocking the potential of citizen action for nature protection and restoration

Closed

Code: 39491 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-03-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

The EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 acknowledges that protecting and restoring nature will need more than regulation alone and will notably require action by citizens. This topic intends to support citizens willing to take directly part in nature protection and restoration.

It is expected to contribute to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and in particular to its target 21. A wide range of ecosystem types (in terrestrial environment, in fresh and/or marine water) can be considered.

Mainstreaming and scaling-up evidence-based Nature-Based Solutions towards a nature positive and climate-resilient economy

Closed

Code: 39488 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-04-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

Proposals should thrive to equip policymakers and practitioners with robust evidence, knowledge and practice on NbS. When implemented at scale, and following a credible design and implementation approach thriving for ecosystem integrity and connectivity, NbS can deliver significant benefits and reduced costs.

This topic aims to contribute to the evidence base on the role of NbS in a nature positive and climate resilience society. It supports climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, that ensure long-term economic security and opportunities, respect planetary boundaries and address climate uncertainties. This calls for a systematic integration of NbS across sectors and policy levels. Proposals are encouraged to apply a multi-actor approach to engage with actors from research, policy and practice, as well as SSH disciplines, to support the above-mentioned systemic NbS integration and evidence-based decision-making, and produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities

Open topic: Using the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative to strengthen urban manufacturing in support of the Clean Industrial Deal

Closed

Code: 39484 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-02-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

The Clean Industrial Deal confirms Europe’s dedication to its decarbonisation goals by offering clear business incentives. It will help create lead markets to boost supply and demand in clean tech and energy-intensive industries (such as chemicals, cement, steel and metals), enabling the decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness of Europe at the same time. An integral focus is to support the acceleration of the roll-out of clean energy and manufacturing, to develop sectoral transition pathways and to reinforce a circular economy.

Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

Closed

Code: 39482 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

Chemical pollution of aquatic environments from contaminants and pollutants poses risks for human and environmental health. As recent assessments of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and of the Water Framework Directive have shown, large parts of Europe’s groundwater bodies, rivers, lakes, coastal, transitional and marine waters have not reached good status and often exceed regulatory threshold levels set to avoid potential risk to human health and the environment.

Continued inflow of pollutants into the aquatic environment, coupled with their ubiquity and persistent nature is increasing the risk of accumulation and long-term exposure of organisms and human beings. While pollution prevention is the most effective measure to tackle aquatic pollution, more effective action and novel solutions are needed to bioremediate and decontaminate European waters from particularly harmful and persistent substances.

Call for proposals to National Roma Contact Points

Closed

Code: 39479 | Identifier Code: CERV-2026-NRCP | Programme name: 2926 | Start submission calls: 11/12/2025 | End submission calls: 09/04/2026

Strengthening the national Roma consultation processes in Member States through national Roma platforms convened and managed by national Roma contact points (NRCPs).

Advancing Social Cohesion in the Face of Polarized Public Discourse

Closed

Code: 39476 | Identifier Code: PPPA-2026-SOCIAL-COHESION-PPD | Programme name: 2280 | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

The primary objective of this call is to advance interdisciplinary research on polarisation in the digital age, with particular focus on its role as a driver of systemic risk to democratic institutions, social cohesion, and public trust. The idea is to put together existing research and build on top of it.

1. Analysis and Monitoring Methodology and Innovative Tools for Understanding Polarisation
2. European Regional Knowledge Exchange and Implementation Pathways for Social Cohesion
3. Collaboration and Practical Mitigation Strategies

Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands

Closed

Code: 39472 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-02-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

Forests soils play a fundamental role in global environmental protection, by supporting rich biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, regulating floodings, and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

In Europe, forests cover nearly 40% of the total land area, with over 90% classified as managed forests, where human activities such as timber production, habitat management, recreation, etc. take place.

Maintaining and enhancing soil functions in managed forests is essential for ensuring both their productivity and long-term resilience. In this context, developing a sustainable forest bioeconomy is strategically important for Europe’s green transition.

Living labs to enhance soil health in Alpine and Atlantic biogeographical regions

Closed

Code: 39468 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-01-two-stage | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

The Mission Soil proposes the deployment of living labs as a novel approach to research and innovation in soil health. Living labs have the potential to facilitate a green transition by involving multiple actors in real-life sites within a local/regional setting to co-create soil health solutions and achieve large-scale impacts on soil health and soil governance.

Projects funded under this topic should deploy a number of living labs to expand and complement the network of soil health living labs initiated in previous Mission Soil topics to gradually establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030.

Small-scale Hydrogen Valley

Closed

Code: 39465 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2026-06-02 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 10/02/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026

The scope of this flagship topic is to develop and demonstrate a small-scale Hydrogen Valley. It could demonstrate a combination of technologies either in existing and/or new markets for clean hydrogen, especially when applications are used in symbiose with each other.

Proposals should demonstrate innovative approaches at system level: systemic and synergetic integration of hydrogen production (not restricted to electrolysis), distribution and end-use technologies. Proposals may also investigate interoperability, cause-effect stability of the overall system. Technologies demonstrated should be state-of the-art following technological developments previously funded by (but not limited to) the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.