I3-2026-INV2a – Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a

Opened

Code: 40342 | Identifier Code: I3-2026-INV2a | Programme name: 16401 | Start submission calls: 13/05/2026 | End submission calls: 12/11/2026

This call for proposals is for Strand 2a and focuses on reinforcing the integration of innovation actors from less developed regions and transition regions in developing EU value chains while creating local opportunities for innovation and smart economic transformation in regions with shared (or complementary) smart specialisation areas.

The objective of the present I3 Instrument Strand 2a call for proposals is to support interregional innovation investments by offering consortia of innovation actors from the quadruple helix ecosystems the necessary financial and advisory support to bring their innovations to a mature level, ready for scale-up and commercialisation. This call specifically aims at reducing the innovation divide in Europe, with a strong cohesion policy focus on integrating less developed and transition regions into European value chains.

Trafficking in human beings

Opened

Code: 40340 | Identifier Code: ISF-2026-TF2-AG-THB | Programme name: 14688 | Start submission calls: 21/05/2026 | End submission calls: 03/09/2026

The overall objective of the action is to dismantle organised criminal networks engaged in trafficking in human beings (THB) in the EU, including poly criminal networks, by strengthening operational cooperation including with third countries, establishing cooperation and partnership with the private sector in particular with the online platforms, enhancing financial investigations, improving criminal justice effectiveness, and ensuring a robust victim-centred approach throughout the criminal justice chain.

Organised crime and drug trafficking

Opened

Code: 40338 | Identifier Code: ISF-2026-TF2-AG-OCDT | Programme name: 14688 | Start submission calls: 21/05/2026 | End submission calls: 03/09/2026

The project applications submitted under the present call for proposals must address one, but preferably more, of the following priorities stipulated below. Furthermore, projects must complement, integrate, or support already planned actions, notably those within the relevant EMPACT priorities:

1. The most threatening criminal networks and individuals (MTCNI), led by Belgium
2. The production, trafficking and distribution of cannabis, cocaine and heroin (OAP CCH 2026 2027), led by Spain
3. The production, trafficking and distribution of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (OBLIVION), led by Spain
4. Trafficking in human beings (EMPACT THB 2026-2027), led by the Netherlands
5. Firearms and explosives crimes (EMPACT FI-X), led by Spain

But also the reporting exercises coordinated by Europol.

The priorities are:

1. The intelligence picture
2. Cross border investigations
3. Financial investigations
4. Crime Prevention
5. Drug related priorities
   1. Drug production and trafficking
   2. Preparedness against drug related security threats

Support to awareness raising about the Arctic communities, including Indigenous People

Opened

Code: 40334 | Identifier Code: EMFAF-2026-PIA-ARCTIC | Programme name: 13524 | Start submission calls: 19/05/2026 | End submission calls: 20/08/2026

The objective of this call for proposals is to promote dialogue and cooperation with local Arctic communities, including Indigenous Peoples, in order to foster a more integrated maritime and coastal governance. Specifically, the action will aim to increase the visibility and raise awareness of the challenges facing these communities as a result of the rapidly changing Arctic environment and to enable policymakers to take into account the perspectives of Arctic inhabitants regarding maritime and coastal affairs.

To this end, the project to be funded is expected to:

• support the sustainable and inclusive economic development of Arctic communities, including Indigenous communities, with a strong focus on blue economy activities; and
• enhance synergies with existing related projects.

LIFE Operating Grants

Opened

Code: 40331 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2026-NGO-OG-SGA | Programme name: 10710 | Start submission calls: 12/05/2026 | End submission calls: 22/09/2026

LIFE operating grants support non-profit organisations, NGOs and networks working in environment, climate action and clean energy transition, with the aim of strengthening their participation in EU policy dialogue and supporting the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental and climate legislation. The grants target organisations contributing to the objectives of the LIFE sub-programmes on Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Nature and Biodiversity, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Clean Energy Transition. They are awarded through a competitive and transparent process to help these organisations strengthen their capacity, improve their effectiveness and contribute more actively to EU policy objectives.

Framework Partnership Agreements for operating grants to support non-profit organisations

Opened

Code: 40328 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2026-NGO-OG-FPA | Programme name: 10710 | Start submission calls: 12/05/2026 | End submission calls: 08/09/2026

The EU recognises civil society organisations as important contributors to EU policy development, implementation and enforcement, and that they need a safe, supportive environment with stable and sufficient funding to operate effectively. In this context, LIFE Framework Partnership Agreements aim to support non-profit organisations, NGOs and networks working in the fields of environment, climate action and clean energy transition. The call seeks to strengthen civil society participation in EU policy dialogue and help beneficiaries contribute to the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental and climate objectives across LIFE sub-programmes, including Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Nature and Biodiversity, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Clean Energy Transition.

The agreements provide operating grants through a competitive and transparent process, helping organisations build capacity, improve efficiency and become stronger partners in supporting EU policy objectives.

EIC Transition Open

Opened

Code: 40324 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIC-2026-TRANSITIONOPEN | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Innovation Council-EIC (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/04/2026 | End submission calls: 16/09/2026

EIC Transition supports innovation projects that move promising technologies beyond laboratory proof of concept toward real application and market readiness. It funds activities that mature and validate technologies already at TRL 3, aiming to reach viable demonstrators at around TRL 5–6 by the end of the project.

Projects should combine technology development with business and market preparation. This may include prototyping, testing, validation in relevant environments, user feedback, market research, value proposition development, business model validation, intellectual property protection, and preparation for regulatory, certification or standardisation requirements.

The main objective is to make both the technology and the business idea investment-ready. Expected results include a technology proven effective for its intended application, a validated business model, a solid business plan for commercialisation, and adequately protected intellectual property.

Call Town Twinning 2026

Opened

Code: 40321 | Identifier Code: CERV-2026-CITIZENS-TOWN-TT | Programme name: 2926 | Start submission calls: 06/05/2026 | End submission calls: 23/09/2026

The CERV programme helps to promote intercultural dialogue by bringing people of different nationalities and different languages together and giving them the opportunity to participate in common activities. In this context, Town-Twinning projects will raise awareness of the richness of Europe’s cultural and linguistic environment and promote mutual understanding and respect, contributing to the development of a respectful, dynamic and multifaceted European identity and the respect of common values, equality, democracy and fundamental rights.

Information and training measures for workers’ organisations

Opened

Code: 40317 | Identifier Code: SOCPL-2026-INFO-WK | Programme name: 2923 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2026 | End submission calls: 24/06/2026

This call aims at strengthening the capacity of workers’ organisations (both in Member States and candidate countries) to address, at EU/transnational level, challenges related to changes in employment and working conditions as well as challenges related to their effective participation in social dialogue.

Actions that address the following themes will be particularly welcome:

• actions aimed at preparing negotiations of autonomous social partner agreements to be concluded at EU level and at supporting their implementation at national level;
• actions related to the implementation of the work programmes of the existing European Social Dialogue Committees.

Posting of workers: enhancing administrative cooperation and access to information

Opened

Code: 40314 | Identifier Code: ESF-2026-POW | Programme name: 20859 | Start submission calls: 30/04/2026 | End submission calls: 06/10/2026

The call intends to support the Commission and the Member States to understand existing and new challenges and develop initiatives in the field of posting of workers and a decent work agenda. The proper functioning of administrative cooperation between Member States and improved access to information on applicable terms and conditions of employment and administrative requirements for companies in a transparent and accessible manner, are essential for the correct application, implementation and enforcement of the Directives.

Energetic components

Opened

Code: 40311 | Identifier Code: EDF-EDIP-P-2026-LS-IRA-EC | Programme name: 3564 | Start submission calls: 30/04/2026 | End submission calls: 16/06/2026

The objective of this call is to reinforce the EU industrial production capacity of defence products, including their components and corresponding raw materials.

This topic aims to strengthen the competitiveness, responsiveness and ability of the EDTIB to reinforce EU industrial production capacity for energetic components (including their components and corresponding raw materials insofar as they are intended or used wholly for the production of defence products) that constitute critical bottlenecks for key defence product across land, air, naval and underwater domains:

• rockets, aerial bombs, mines and loitering munition;

• missiles;

• tank, artillery and counter-unmanned systems (UxS) ammunition;

• small-calibre cartridges (including ammunition and devices for dismounted soldiers).

Actions shall be aligned with the objectives, scope and priorities of this call topic and shall contribute to the competitiveness of the EU defence technological and industrial base by securing specific production capacity for:

• propellant powder (including nitrocellulose, single, double & triple-base powder, and modular charge);

• explosives (including nitroglycerine, TNT, RDX, HMX, PETN, NTO, primers/fuses);

• propulsion systems;

• warheads and electronic fuze;

• filling plants;

• and access to relevant raw materials.

Boosting agrobiodiversity for food security and sustainable competitiveness

Opened

Code: 40309 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-06 | 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

Genetic erosion poses a significant threat to agricultural resilience, as genetic diversity is crucial for crops to withstand environmental stresses such as climate variations, pests, and diseases. As the global population grows, the demand for increased food production often drives large-scale agriculture, which compromises biodiversity and long-term productivity. While promoting and expanding agrobiodiversity enhances agricultural resilience, socio-economic obstacles hinder broader adoption.

Beyond highlighting the importance of conserving agricultural biodiversity for food security, it is essential to demonstrate its role in enhancing food production, increasing farmers’ incomes, and safeguarding livelihoods against environmental challenges. A significant obstacle to a wider adoption of more diversified production systems, is perceived risk in that process, in terms of yield, (marginal) income, lack of demand, stable and sufficient pricing, and potential increase of pests.