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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must bridge physical cryosphere-climate modelling with geopolitical foresight and community-driven anticipatory governance. Consortia should clearly articulate the operational transition from episodic sea-ice loss to prolonged seasonal navigation, balancing blue economy opportunities with the precautionary principle and Indigenous co-management.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
better understand, project and reduce uncertainties linked to the impacts, timing and consequences of an ice-free Arctic. This includes the underlying systems (such as ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere) and processes, strengthening research on key or main drivers of internal variability and their interconnectedness to the climate system, under multi and cumulative and cascading impacts of anthropogenic activities (resource extraction, climate change, shipping and industrial activities, pollution, introduction of NIS, etc.), abrupt, irreversible change/tipping elements and thresholds, including their reversibility. In particular, understanding the nuances of the impacts of occasional daily ice-free conditions, versus frequent monthly ice-free conditions, versus ice-free conditions that occur for several months a year, is needed to assess the true impact of a new seasonal Arctic sea ice regime in a warming world, in particular in and for Europe.
enhance regional models representing integrated key physical, biogeochemical, and biological processes, especially to capture processes in the changing sea-ice regimes (ecological and political) and the impacts of extremes, building on and further developing the existing IPCC class climate models and making use of new technologies for sustained monitoring of key climate indicators / shared Arctic variables and machine learning techniques for the advanced interpretation of these data.
identify transformative pathways and key leverage points for sustainable mitigation and anticipatory adaptation approaches. This could include and are not limited to looking into aspects of: community resilience and health, particularly Indigenous populations, in adapting to cultural, political, economic and environmental changes, including addressing food security, health impacts, and preserving cultural practices; explore novel economic opportunities and challenges, evaluating the potential for shorter and new shipping routes and other economic opportunities, explore sustainable energy solutions for Arctic communities, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy potential, resource exploration, and sustainable economic development while ensuring environmental protection; explore elements of risk management and hazard mitigation preparing for increased coastal erosion, increased extreme weather events, and the impacts of thawing permafrost on infrastructures, greenhouse emissions, and increased risks of natural and anthropogenic hazards; develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in Arctic ecosystems (bearing in mind the precautionary principle/approach, and the efficiency and effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions); improve projections for Arctic’s “Last Ice Area” (LIA) — a vital habitat for ice-dependent species — and critical for Arctic habitats , and inform conservation policies and measures; explore the power of enhancing cooperation among Arctic nations and global partners to share data, resources, and expertise and identify issues of geopolitical and strategic nature and assess the implications of a navigable Arctic for shipping and other blue economy or coastal-linked activities, resource extraction, and international relations, strongly considering sustainability and the precautionary principle/approach.
improved knowledge of the processes, feedbacks and impacts of an ice-free Arctic, both locally/regionally and globally, including advanced research on newly emerging aspects of the future regime change in the Arctic.
enhanced observations and monitoring capabilities of Arctic changes including ocean, land, sea-ice and atmosphere processes and biodiversity in the Arctic, informing the key components covered by the topic, i.e. governance, sustainable development and international politics of an ice-free Arctic.
knowledge-based recommendations for sustainable development (of ocean-based and blue economy activities), environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and resilience, better-informed planning of resources (with a focus on coastal communities and activities) and enabled evidence-based regional, European, and global decision–making on Arctic Ocean Governance; sustained European leadership in ocean–climate–biodiversity-cryosphere science; significant contributions made to global scientific assessments, such as the IPCC, IPBES, SWIPA (Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic) and WOA (World Ocean Assessments), as well as to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 – 2030) and Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025-2034), Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), the International Polar Year 2032-2033, UN SDGs 13 and 14, and the European polar science coordination efforts.
Strengthened knowledge and understanding and reduced uncertainty about the future of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the short, medium, and long term, and its impacts on the Global Ocean and the Earth System are available and used, alongside identified commensurate management responses to prevent the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic cryosphere from reaching a point of no return, including enabling protecting, restoring and sustainably managing marine and coastal ecosystems and preventing pollution.
Effective policy mixes and multi-level governance capable of anticipating a changing Arctic and enabling a just and sustainable transition for all, engaging society at large and balancing economic, social and environmental goals, thanks to improved evidence-based knowledge, tools and science-society-policy interfaces.
Carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions from land and water activities (inland, marine and coastal) – including primary production – and infrastructures are minimised in rural, urban, and coastal areas while the monitoring, reporting and verification of the emissions is improved.
Medium- and long-term adaptation and resilience of water infrastructure, agriculture and forestry to challenges related to climate change is further addressed with regard to scientific knowledge, public policy and economic practices.
Arctic policy
highThe EU Arctic Policy (Joint Communication 2021) outlines the Union's strategic approach toward a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous Arctic. It focuses on preserving the Arctic environment, fighting climate change, fostering sustainable regional development, and strengthening multilateral cooperation and governance.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly contribute to the geopolitical, environmental, and socio-economic priorities of the EU Arctic strategy, highlighting science diplomacy, indigenous peoples' rights, and Arctic Council engagement.
Paris Agreement
highThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted under the UNFCCC in 2015. It aims to hold the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
Evaluators expect projects to link findings on Arctic melting and climate feedback mechanisms directly to global decarbonization pathways and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement
highThe BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty) is an international instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. It provides mechanisms for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and access to and sharing of marine genetic resources.
Evaluators expect proposals on future ice-free Arctic ocean governance to explicitly evaluate the implementation of BBNJ provisions in newly accessible international waters, notably regarding marine protected areas and resource equity.
Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement
highThe Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAOFA) prevents commercial fishing in the high seas portion of the central Arctic Ocean for at least 16 years. It establishes a joint program of scientific research and monitoring before any commercial fishing can be authorized.
Evaluators expect proposals to address CAOFA compliance, joint international scientific monitoring protocols, and adaptive management models for potential future high-seas fisheries regulation.
European Green Deal
mediumThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
European Climate Law
mediumThe European Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119) writes into law the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It establishes a binding framework for EU institutions and Member States to ensure continuous progress on mitigation and adaptation.
Evaluators expect proposals to contextualize Arctic climate impacts and feedback loops within binding EU emission-reduction trajectories and global carbon budget tracking.
European Ocean Pact
mediumThe European Ocean Pact represents the EU's commitment to integrated ocean governance, reconciling ocean conservation with a sustainable blue economy. It reinforces commitments across marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and cross-border maritime management.
Evaluators look for holistic approaches linking sustainable seafood supply chains with broader ocean health, stakeholder stewardship, and alignment with maritime governance priorities.
European Climate Adaptation Plan
mediumThe EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change sets out how the European Union can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change and become climate-resilient by 2050. It focuses on smarter, faster, and more systemic adaptation by improving knowledge, expanding nature-based solutions, and stepping up international resilience efforts.
Evaluators expect proposals to address practical resilience strategies, risk assessment tools, and adaptive management plans for vulnerable socio-ecological systems coping with rapid warming.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
mediumAdopted under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022, this global framework sets 4 global goals and 23 targets for 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It includes key targets on sustainable agriculture, reducing pesticide risks, and integrating biodiversity values across all economic sectors.
Evaluators expect proposals handling agricultural data to demonstrate how data-driven farming practices actively measure, monitor, and support biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration on managed farmlands.
Antarctic Treaty
mediumThe Antarctic Treaty (1959) and its Madrid Protocol govern the Antarctic continent and surrounding waters, designating the region as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science while freezing territorial sovereignty claims. It serves as an international governance precedent for shared polar and commons diplomacy.
Evaluators expect comparative analyses of polar governance models, contrasting Antarctic treaty regimes with sovereign and UNCLOS-based frameworks applicable to the Arctic.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
mediumThe UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.' Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, they address global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
Proposals should clearly articulate which specific SDGs their project contributes to and how. This involves demonstrating a tangible impact on sustainable development, whether through environmental, social, or economic dimensions, and aligning with the EU's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Nature Restoration Regulation
lowThe Nature Restoration Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) mandates legally binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, habitats, and species across EU land and sea areas. It aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030 and cover all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
Evaluators look for alignment with ecological restoration frameworks, particularly regarding sensitive, fragile habitats and long-term ecosystem integrity under warming conditions.
Regulation on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF)
lowThe LULUCF Regulation (EU) 2018/841 (as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/839) sets binding commitments for Member States to ensure that emissions from land use, forestry, and agriculture are balanced by at least equivalent carbon removals. It incentivizes climate-friendly land management and net carbon sink expansion.
Evaluators expect rigorous tracking of carbon fluxes, biomass balance, and clear methodologies showing how regional land use changes impact net GHG accounting.
Regulation on Carbon Farming and Carbon Removals
lowThe Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) establishes EU-wide quality criteria and certification rules for high-integrity carbon removals and carbon farming practices. It aims to scale certified biological, permanent, and marine carbon storage while ensuring transparency and preventing greenwashing.
Evaluators look for robust, verifiable measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols aligned with EU carbon removal certification criteria.
European Water Resilience Strategy
lowThe European Water Resilience Strategy addresses water scarcity, drought risk, and water quality degradation across European industries and ecosystems. It emphasizes water efficiency, circular water reuse, and the protection of freshwater resources.
Evaluators look for evidence that bio-based industrial processes (which often have high water footprints) minimize freshwater consumption, implement closed-loop water systems, and prevent water pollution.
EU strategy for outermost regions
lowThe EU Strategic Partnership for Outermost Regions addresses the specific geographic, economic, and social constraints of remote EU regions. It aims to support their green and digital transitions, boost economic resilience, and strengthen their integration within EU single market and regional cooperation frameworks.
Evaluators look for considerations of peripheral community vulnerability, socio-economic resilience, and territorial cohesion tailored to remote and geographically disadvantaged territories.
INSPIRE Directive
lowThe INSPIRE Directive (Directive 2007/2/EC) establishes an Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe to support EU environmental policies and activities impacting the environment. It sets technical standards for interoperability, metadata, and cross-border sharing of spatial and geographic datasets.
Evaluators expect data management and geospatial mapping components to strictly adhere to INSPIRE metadata and interoperability standards for environmental and marine spatial datasets.
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Funding eligibility for international organisations
All international organisations are exceptionally eligible for funding.
JRC participation status
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner, but will not participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
All international organisations are exceptionally eligible for funding.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner. The JRC will not participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal - see General Annex B.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will immediately scrutinize whether the proposal treats the ocean-climate-cryosphere nexus as truly integrated with Arctic governance and geopolitics rather than running two parallel tracks. They will look for: (1) high-resolution regional and Earth System Model enhancements integrating machine learning and in situ monitoring, specifically addressing thresholds like daily vs. monthly ice-free conditions; (2) genuine co-design with Arctic Indigenous peoples and coastal communities on food security, health, and adaptation; and (3) concrete alignment with major multilateral frameworks including the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), the EU Arctic Policy, the UN Ocean Decade, and IPY 2032-2033. Compliance with the mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS for Earth observation data will be rigorously checked.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1better understand, project and reduce uncertainties linked to the impacts, timing and consequences of an ice-free Arctic. This includes the underlying systems (such as ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere) and processes, strengthening research on key or main drivers of internal variability and their interconnectedness to the climate system, under multi and cumulative and cascading impacts of anthropogenic activities (resource extraction, climate change, shipping and industrial activities, pollution, introduction of NIS, etc.), abrupt, irreversible change/tipping elements and thresholds, including their reversibility. In particular, understanding the nuances of the impacts of occasional daily ice-free conditions, versus frequent monthly ice-free conditions, versus ice-free conditions that occur for several months a year, is needed to assess the true impact of a new seasonal Arctic sea ice regime in a warming world, in particular in and for Europe. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2enhance regional models representing integrated key physical, biogeochemical, and biological processes, especially to capture processes in the changing sea-ice regimes (ecological and political) and the impacts of extremes, building on and further developing the existing IPCC class climate models and making use of new technologies for sustained monitoring of key climate indicators / shared Arctic variables and machine learning techniques for the advanced interpretation of these data. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3identify transformative pathways and key leverage points for sustainable mitigation and anticipatory adaptation approaches. This could include and are not limited to looking into aspects of: community resilience and health, particularly Indigenous populations, in adapting to cultural, political, economic and environmental changes, including addressing food security, health impacts, and preserving cultural practices; explore novel economic opportunities and challenges, evaluating the potential for shorter and new shipping routes and other economic opportunities, explore sustainable energy solutions for Arctic communities, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy potential, resource exploration, and sustainable economic development while ensuring environmental protection; explore elements of risk management and hazard mitigation preparing for increased coastal erosion, increased extreme weather events, and the impacts of thawing permafrost on infrastructures, greenhouse emissions, and increased risks of natural and anthropogenic hazards; develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in Arctic ecosystems (bearing in mind the precautionary principle/approach, and the efficiency and effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions); improve projections for Arctic’s “Last Ice Area” (LIA) — a vital habitat for ice-dependent species — and critical for Arctic habitats , and inform conservation policies and measures; explore the power of enhancing cooperation among Arctic nations and global partners to share data, resources, and expertise and identify issues of geopolitical and strategic nature and assess the implications of a navigable Arctic for shipping and other blue economy or coastal-linked activities, resource extraction, and international relations, strongly considering sustainability and the precautionary principle/approach. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1improved knowledge of the processes, feedbacks and impacts of an ice-free Arctic, both locally/regionally and globally, including advanced research on newly emerging aspects of the future regime change in the Arctic. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2enhanced observations and monitoring capabilities of Arctic changes including ocean, land, sea-ice and atmosphere processes and biodiversity in the Arctic, informing the key components covered by the topic, i.e. governance, sustainable development and international politics of an ice-free Arctic. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3knowledge-based recommendations for sustainable development (of ocean-based and blue economy activities), environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and resilience, better-informed planning of resources (with a focus on coastal communities and activities) and enabled evidence-based regional, European, and global decision–making on Arctic Ocean Governance; sustained European leadership in ocean–climate–biodiversity-cryosphere science; significant contributions made to global scientific assessments, such as the IPCC, IPBES, SWIPA (Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic) and WOA (World Ocean Assessments), as well as to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 – 2030) and Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025-2034), Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), the International Polar Year 2032-2033, UN SDGs 13 and 14, and the European polar science coordination efforts. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Trans- and multi-disciplinary research including gender, SSH, and inclusionActions should conduct trans- and multi-disciplinary research, including aspects of gender, Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), equality and inclusion, and intergenerational concerns. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Inclusion of diverse knowledge systems (Indigenous and Local Knowledge)Projects must strengthen the inclusion of different knowledge systems, specifically Indigenous Knowledge, Local Knowledge, and Science, to broaden the understanding of Arctic governance, sustainable development, and international politics. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3International cooperation with All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance partnersInternational cooperation is strongly encouraged, particularly with the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) partner countries. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Linkage with Polhavet 2050 – Arctic Ocean 2050A strong linkage should be ensured with ongoing activities under Polhavet 2050 – Arctic Ocean 2050. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Contribution to EU Digital Twin of the Ocean and Destination EarthActions should build on existing observing platforms and initiatives, and/or contribute to the evolution of the EU Digital Twin of the Ocean and Destination Earth. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Open access and INSPIRE compliance for in-situ dataAll in-situ data collected must follow INSPIRE principles and be made available through European Commission-supported open access repositories, specifically Copernicus and EMODnet. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Adherence to FAIR data principlesConcrete efforts should be made to ensure that all data produced in the context of the funded projects is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Coordination with ESA Polar Science Cluster projectsAs part of the EC-ESA Earth System Science initiative, proposals must include sufficient resources for effective coordination with relevant ESA Polar Science Cluster projects, utilizing novel satellite Earth Observation datasets and conducting joint research actions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Synergies with the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO)Projects must support European polar science coordination efforts, creating synergies with the objectives of the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) and contributing to the implementation of its work plan. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ10Utilization of European research infrastructures and ESFRI servicesProposals are encouraged to consider and leverage data, expertise, and services provided by European research infrastructures from the ESFRI portfolio where relevant. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ11Optional participation and contribution of the Joint Research Centre (JRC)The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a consortium member to contribute expertise in forecasting air pollution and estimating methane emissions from thawing permafrost. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ12Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS for space dataIf projects use satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ13Complementarity with Cluster 5 and EU MissionsActivities should foster complementarities with Horizon Europe Cluster 5 climate science, as well as the EU Missions on 'Adaptation to Climate Change' and 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030'. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Strengthened knowledge and understanding and reduced uncertainty about the future of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the short, medium, and long term, and its impacts on the Global Ocean and the Earth System are available and used, alongside identified commensurate management responses to prevent the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic cryosphere from reaching a point of no return, including enabling protecting, restoring and sustainably managing marine and coastal ecosystems and preventing pollution. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Effective policy mixes and multi-level governance capable of anticipating a changing Arctic and enabling a just and sustainable transition for all, engaging society at large and balancing economic, social and environmental goals, thanks to improved evidence-based knowledge, tools and science-society-policy interfaces. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions from land and water activities (inland, marine and coastal) – including primary production – and infrastructures are minimised in rural, urban, and coastal areas while the monitoring, reporting and verification of the emissions is improved. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Medium- and long-term adaptation and resilience of water infrastructure, agriculture and forestry to challenges related to climate change is further addressed with regard to scientific knowledge, public policy and economic practices. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1arctic policyThe EU Arctic Policy (Joint Communication 2021) outlines the Union's strategic approach toward a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous Arctic. It focuses on preserving the Arctic environment, fighting climate change, fostering sustainable regional development, and strengthening multilateral cooperation and governance. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2paris agreementThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted under the UNFCCC in 2015. It aims to hold the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction agreementThe BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty) is an international instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. It provides mechanisms for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and access to and sharing of marine genetic resources. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4central arctic ocean fisheries agreementThe Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAOFA) prevents commercial fishing in the high seas portion of the central Arctic Ocean for at least 16 years. It establishes a joint program of scientific research and monitoring before any commercial fishing can be authorized. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Funding eligibility for international organisations
All international organisations are exceptionally eligible for funding.
JRC participation status
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner, but will not participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal.
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
Evaluators will immediately penalize proposals that treat physical cryosphere-climate modelling and geopolitical governance as separate, parallel workstreams. The consortium must architect a truly integrated ocean-climate-cryosphere nexus where physical data directly feeds into anticipatory governance and policy models.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
A critical technical differentiator in this call is the resolution of the climate models. Proposals must explicitly capture and differentiate the impacts of occasional daily ice-free conditions versus frequent monthly ice-free conditions. Failing to address these specific temporal nuances will result in a lower score during evaluation.
Source: Scope / Expected Outcomes
If your methodology relies on satellite-based Earth observation or positioning data, the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS is mandatory. Evaluators will rigorously check compliance with this requirement, making it a functional make-or-break factor for the project's data architecture.
Source: Eligibility rules
Including Indigenous populations merely as passive stakeholders will not survive evaluation scrutiny. The proposal must demonstrate genuine co-design with Arctic Indigenous peoples and coastal communities, specifically targeting actionable pathways for food security, health, and adaptation.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The proposal must anchor its governance recommendations in binding multilateral frameworks, specifically the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA) and the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ). Evaluators expect concrete adaptive management models that address future high-seas fisheries regulation and marine protected areas in newly accessible international waters.
Source: Underlying policies
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