SoS2LearnDBS’s Open call for Community-Led Actions to restore Danube-Black Sea Waters
Empowers local communities in the Danube-Black Sea region to implement innovative, community-led pilot actions for aquatic ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.
The SoS2LearnDBS project invites proposals for innovative, community-led pilot actions aimed at restoring aquatic ecosystems and empowering local communities within the Danube River basin and Black Sea region. The initiative supports grassroots efforts tackling environmental challenges, enhancing local capacity, and fostering cross-regional collaboration, with a total budget of €7 million to be shared among selected projects.
Type of projects to be funded: Projects should implement innovative and replicable solutions in Habitat Restoration and Protection, Pollution Prevention, and Sustainable Blue Economy.
Sectors / domain: The focus is on environmental restoration and community empowerment within aquatic ecosystems.
Individual or consortium: Proposals must be submitted by consortia of 3 to 7 independent legal entities, with the consortium leader based in the Danube-Black Sea region and at least one partner representing local communities.
Specific eligibility requirements: Eligible applicants are from EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries; projects must occur in specified regions of the Danube basin or Black Sea.
Specific topics or challenges: Projects should address at least one objective of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”.
Projects duration: Expected duration is between 18 and 30 months.
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs
Budget conditions / limitations: Tier 1 projects may receive €200,000-€400,000, and Tier 2 projects €500,000-€1,000,000. Maximum funding per organisation is €500,000.
Payments: Grants are issued as lump sums based on predefined activities, not actual cost reimbursement.
Key dates:
- Call opening: 27 November 2025
- Submission deadline: 30 March 2026
- Evaluation results: 10 July 2026
- Project start date: 1 September 2026.
Links
Closes
30/03/2026
Max funding per project
1.000.000€