FORESTPathways - Joint Call 2026
Transnational research and innovation projects to strengthen forest resilience, sustainable forest management and the transition towards a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy.
TYPE OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED: Transnational research and innovation projects ranging from fundamental and applied research to industrial research and development and, where appropriate, demonstration and close-to-market research. Projects should generate new knowledge, develop practical solutions and contribute to implementation in policy, forest management or industry contexts.
SECTORS / DOMAIN: Forests, forestry and the forest-based sector, including forest ecosystems, sustainable and multifunctional forest management, timber and wood-based products, and forest-based value chains, markets and governance.
INDIVIDUAL OR CONSORTIUM: Consortium applications are required. Consortia must include at least three independent legal entities from at least three different EU Member States or associated countries participating in the Joint Call, including at least two countries eligible for EU funding. The consortium must be led by a Coordinator requesting funding from a participating Research Funding Organisation (RFO). Associated Partners may participate but do not count towards the minimum consortium requirements.
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Each funded Partner must be eligible for funding from a participating RFO and comply with the applicable national or regional eligibility requirements. Proposals must be submitted in English through the FOREST Electronic Submission and Evaluation System. Submission of a pre-proposal is compulsory, and full proposals may only be submitted following an invitation. Associated Partners must finance their activities from other sources and provide the required Letter of Intent and, at full-proposal stage, a Letter of Financial Commitment.
SPECIFIC TOPICS OR CHALLENGES: Applicants must select one primary topic: Topic 1 – Climate-Resilient Forest Systems; Topic 2 – Adaptive and Multifunctional Forest Management Systems; Topic 3 – Timber and Innovative Wood-Based Products; or Topic 4 – Forest Value Chains, Markets and Governance. Proposals may address several topics but will be evaluated under one primary topic.
PROJECTS DURATION: 36 months. Projects recommended for funding are expected to start between December 2027 and April 2028.
BUDGET, FUNDING RATES AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Funding rate: Applicable funding rates depend on the relevant national or regional RFO regulations.
Budget conditions / limitations: The total indicative Joint Call budget is up to €40 million. Total project costs and requested funding are not restricted by default at call level, but national or regional funding limits per Partner and proposal apply according to the relevant RFO regulations.
Payments: Payment conditions depend on the applicable national or regional RFO regulations.
Links
Closes
02/12/2026
Max funding per project
4.000.000€