Harnessing the unique properties of marine organisms to deliver sustainable blue bio-based products

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Code: 40262 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-11 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

The European industry must transition to a greener, more sustainable model to enhance its competitiveness against other business models and foster the production of novel high-value sustainable products. Achieving this requires a shift towards a bio-based system, which leverages biological processes to deliver products that contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing environmental impact and can compete with and eventually replace traditional models. For instance, the current use of hazardous chemicals in various industries, such as the textile and polymer industries, requires the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.

In this context, the vast and largely untapped diversity of marine organisms—including fungi, algae, and invertebrates—presents a valuable source of biomolecules with unique properties. These marine-derived compounds hold significant potential across a range of applications, for example from construction materials, chemical processes to bioplastics and textiles. Supporting research and innovation in blue biotechnology fosters the transition toward greener, high-performance products across multiple industries.

Pushing the frontier of knowledge and conservation action for deep sea ecosystems

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Code: 40259 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-03 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

The deep sea represents 90% of the Ocean volume and remains the least explored biome of the planet. Nevertheless, we know that the deep sea forms an extensive and complex ensemble of ecosystems which functioning is crucial to the rest of the biosphere, global biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems upon which much terrestrial life, including human civilisation, depends.

The critical limiting factors in the definition and implementation of protection and restoration measures are the lack of biodiversity knowledge and appropriate monitoring, especially in layers below 1000 m. The main reasons are the limited access and high cost of explorations of the diversity of biotopes in the deep sea, and the resources available to identify organisms across the full range of sizes (from microorganisms to megafauna) and describe ecosystems functioning.

Electricity, Gas, Smart Grids, Hydrogen and CO₂ networks – Studies & Works

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Code: 40255 | Identifier Code: CEF-E-2026-PCI-PMI | Programme name: 3569 | Start submission calls: 30/04/2026 | End submission calls: 30/09/2026

Both, studies and works, topics under this call aim to enable PCIs and PMIs to be implemented within the framework of the deployment of trans-European networks in the energy sector. In particular, the call shall contribute to supporting energy infrastructure PCIs and PMIs that have significant socio-economic benefits and ensure greater solidarity among Member States, but which do not receive adequate financing from the market.

Projects supported by this call pursue the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 climate and energy targets and long term decarbonisation objectives. Therefore, financial assistance provided under this call for proposals should maximise its added value towards decarbonisation of the energy sector. The European Grids Package underlines the critical importance of energy infrastructure in the energy transition.

The objective of studies and works is to support and contribute to the implementation of PCIs and PMIs.

European Film sales agent

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Code: 40252 | Identifier Code: CREA-MEDIA-2026-FILMSALES | Programme name: 3948 | Start submission calls: 28/04/2026 | End submission calls: 18/06/2026

The MEDIA strand shall provide support for the following measure:

• Support to international sales and circulation of non-national European works on all platforms (e.g. cinema theatres, online) targeting both small and large-sized productions, including through coordinated distribution strategies covering several countries and encouraging the use of subtitling, dubbing and where applicable, audio description tools.

The European Film Sales support shall encourage and support the wider transnational distribution of recent European films by providing funds to European sales agents, based upon their performance on the market, for further reinvestment in the acquisition, promotion and distribution (including online) of recent non-national European films.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

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Code: 40249 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 09/04/2026 | End submission calls: 09/09/2026

Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers undertaking international mobility. Applications will be made jointly by the researcher and a beneficiary in the academic or non-academic sector.

Postdoctoral Fellowships either can take place in Europe (i.e. in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country) or in a Third Country not associated to Horizon Europe:

• European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality who wish to engage in R&I projects by either coming to Europe from any country in the world or moving within Europe. The standard duration of these fellowships must be between 12 and 24 months.
• Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to European nationals or long-term residents who wish to engage in R&I projects with organisations outside EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. These fellowships require an outgoing phase of minimum 12 and maximum 24 months in a non-associated Third Country, and a mandatory 12-month return phase to a host organisation based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Advancing integrated scenarios and prediction models for informing transition to a nature positive society

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Code: 40246 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-05 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

To address the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), as well as Sustainable Development Goals, actions funded under this topic should support the scientific development of A) integrated scenarios, B) predictive models and C) model intercomparison experiments for Member States and Associated Countries. Developments should be verified in case studies covering at least 2 European biogeographic regions^[1] and spanning key economic sectors to inform systemic policy transformations and enable long-term planning for a nature positive society.

Bioremediation of Ukraine’s ecosystems contaminated by conflicts

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Code: 40243 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

The recent wars are causing severe environmental degradation across ecosystems – besides the disruption of human lives and dignity – with concentrations of contaminants affecting the quality of air, water, soil, that may be beyond the known levels. There is the urgent need to advance in the knowledge of such extreme conditions, and to develop or adapt bioremediation techniques suitable to restore the degradation of the affected environments.

Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains

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Code: 40240 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-09 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

As the bioeconomy and nature markets gain importance, enabling diversification of value streams for farmers, policymakers must ensure that the growing use of agricultural biomass and agricultural land for non-food purposes (e.g., for the development of novel bio-based chemicals, compounds, materials, products and services, energy production, environmental services provision, carbon and biodiversity credits) does not compromise food security.

For the purpose of this topic, nature markets encompass market mechanisms (e.g., nature credits as proposed in the Nature Credits Roadmap, carbon credits, market-based payments for environmental services) mobilising private finance to create income streams for primary producers in return for undertaking actions supporting well-functioning ecosystem services (e.g., water quality and availability, biodiversity, climate).

Strategies are needed to balance market incentives, safeguard food supply and the environment, and support farmers in diversifying incomes through sustainable business models and value chains. Successful proposals should support the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Common Agricultural Policy, the new EU bioeconomy strategy, the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation and the climate and biodiversity objectives of the European Green Deal.

Understanding and tackling the decline of insects

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Code: 40237 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

Insects play a vital role contributing to ecosystem functions in addition to pollination, such as decomposition and nutrient cycles, soil formation (including carbon sequestration) and pest control, control functions essential for maintaining ecosystem complexity, and are an indispensable part of the food chain.

Those functions are key for climate change mitigation and allow the provision of ecosystem services which have economic benefits and support human well-being.

Additionally, insects play a key role in other socioeconomic areas such as medical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g. antimicrobial peptides), forensic science or biotechnology.

Supporting pre-normative research for standardization of the bio-based products

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Code: 40234 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-08 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/04/2026 | End submission calls: 17/09/2026

Proposals should address the following activities:

• aiming at overall high sustainability and environmental benefits, and considering the economic feasibility, for high quality of final products, select a bio-based sector/industry^[1] to develop or improve knowledge, technology, product, process, service or solution related to Ecodesign applicable to the chosen sector;
• identify specific gaps in standardization research pipeline, for bio-based products, followed by pre-normative R&D tasks, aiming at high socio-economic and positive environmental impact, allowing the development and deployment of safe and sustainable, circular bio-based value chains/products, with reduced pressure on biological resources and ecosystems, leading to the consistent improvement of their environmental footprint;
• engage with relevant stakeholders from bio-based industry and standardisation bodies, as well as policy makers and authorities at national and European level, creating community of practice, aiming at transparency and inclusiveness, for subsequent market uptake of innovative and competitive solutions with minimised impact on the environment.

Enhancing the European nuclear competence area

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Code: 40231 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EURATOM-2026-01-03 | Programme name: 23715 | Start submission calls: 23/04/2026 | End submission calls: 15/09/2026

The purpose is to support the programme’s objective of maintaining and enhancing the EU’s nuclear competences in the field of nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radioactive waste management and radiation protection.

The consortium would implement a comprehensive and sustainable pan-European E&T programme in the areas related to the use of nuclear engineering and technologies (including ionising radiation applications beyond nuclear energy). The action should build on activities that have been previously developed under Euratom and other EU programmes and should complement national efforts when appropriate.

The project should use results from previously conducted analyses to streamline the effort to build up the skills and competences needed for the safe development of the nuclear sector. It should generate EU added value by complementing national educational and training programmes in order to ensure that sufficient and skilled staff are available for the sector.

The action should foster a long-term career perspective within the field (considering current job trends and their evolution; and investigating what is needed to make the nuclear sector attractive to talented people). Human resources specialists should be involved. To ensure continuity and avoid duplication, the action should be led by experienced EU actors (see ENEN2plus, Skills4Nuclear).

European Partnership for research in radiation protection and detection of ionising radiation

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Code: 40228 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EURATOM-2026-01-09 | Programme name: 23715 | Start submission calls: 23/04/2026 | End submission calls: 15/09/2026

The Commission invites proposals for the establishment of the European Partnership for research into radiation protection and detection of ionising radiation.

Proposed partnerships should fulfil the requirements set out in this topic as well as meet the criteria for the selection and implementation of European partnerships and their monitoring, evaluation, phase-out or renewal as set in the Horizon Europe Regulation.