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Strategic Analysis
This topic calls for a comprehensive, systemic approach to water resilience by deploying innovative nature-based solutions, circular water systems, and digital monitoring across river basins and water user sectors. Winning proposals will combine high-TRL demonstration of water-smart technologies and water retention practices with multi-actor engagement, equitable pricing models, and inclusive governance to ensure systemic uptake and climate adaptation in line with the European Water Resilience Strategy.
TRL 4 → 8
Based on programme defaults
uptake of innovative solutions to help retain water in natural ecosystems at regional level, including groundwater, to restore free flowing and renaturalising river shapes, to promote water-efficient practices and optimised soil-water interactions, to implement the source-to-sea approach and supporting biodiversity;
increase preparedness against water scarcity, droughts and floods, and integrate global change adaptation strategies, including climate-resilient water infrastructure, early warning systems, and risk assessments to enhance the resilience of water systems to future climate impacts;
improve hydrological and ecological monitoring to better assess the impacts of various water resources management actions and interventions, while facilitating cross-border collaboration and open access to data.
in line with the water efficiency first principle, identify techniques or methodologies and their advantages and develop indicators for water efficiency in various water consuming sectors, e.g. agriculture;
develop and propose water pricing systems and certification systems that rewards sustainable land management practices and that promote the efficient provision of water services and the efficient use of water;
propose a set of innovative technological and digital solutions for the water (services) sector and water user sectors, to promote a water-smart economy and to implement the water efficiency first principle;
develop and upscale innovative water reuse and recycling solutions, including potable applications where appropriate, contributing to circular water use.
analyse the barriers that prevent public participation and engagement and developing actions to increase public awareness and engagement in drinking water resource protection and river basin management plans;
develop cost effective measures to ensure equitable access to affordable water and sanitation for groups in vulnerable situations such as women, children, elder people, low-income communities, indigenous peoples, or persons with disabilities LGBTIQ people, people with a racial or religious minority background;
develop methodologies to improve the influence of water footprint over consumption processes/patterns.
the water cycle is restored;
the economy is following a water-smart path and the EU water industry is competitive;
water is clean and affordable for all.
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.
European Water Resilience Strategy
highThe Strategy aims to improve water resilience, including through ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction. The project could address freshwater species decline and propose solutions for water quality and quantity.
Focus on freshwater biodiversity and the role of water management in species decline. Proposals should highlight how their solutions improve water resilience and ecosystem health.
European Green Deal
highThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource use. It encompasses various policy areas, including climate, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal, particularly in areas relevant to water resilience, resource efficiency, environmental protection, and climate adaptation.
European Climate Law
mediumThe European Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119) writes into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. It also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and requires continuous progress in enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience.
Evaluators expect proposals to align with legally binding climate targets, demonstrating how systemic water resilience measures support climate adaptation, carbon sink protection, and overall climate neutrality pathways.
Nature Restoration Regulation
mediumThe Nature Restoration Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) mandates the restoration of degraded terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems across the EU, with binding targets to restore at least 20% of land and sea areas by 2030.
Proposals should demonstrate how water resilience solutions leverage nature-based solutions, restore natural hydrological regimes, and reconnect river floodplains to meet binding restoration targets.
European Climate Adaptation Plan
mediumThe European Climate Adaptation Plan refers to the overarching framework and continuous efforts by the EU to prepare for and respond to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, emphasizing systemic resilience across sectors.
Proposals should illustrate how their work aligns with the EU's broader commitment to climate adaptation planning, contributing to the development of robust frameworks, tools, or knowledge that support effective water adaptation measures and risk management across the Union.
Paris Agreement
mediumThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels, while strengthening global resilience and adaptive capacity.
Evaluators expect proposals to show direct contributions to climate change adaptation and resilience objectives, embedding water cycle stability into broader international climate goals.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
mediumThe Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) sets global targets for 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, including protecting 30% of inland waters, coastal, and marine ecosystems, and restoring degraded areas.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail how innovative water resilience solutions directly conserve inland water biodiversity and contribute to 2030 global ecosystem protection targets.
European Ocean Pact
lowThe Pact aims to protect and restore marine ecosystems, including through sustainable fisheries and pollution reduction. The project must address marine species decline and propose solutions for ocean health.
Focus on marine biodiversity, particularly for species affected by overfishing, pollution, or climate change. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the Pact’s objectives.
EU Arctic Policy
lowThe EU Arctic Policy outlines the European Union's commitment to advancing environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions while addressing extreme hydrological shifts.
Only relevant if the proposal explicitly targets cold-climate or Arctic water management challenges, expecting tailored climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
Regulation on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF)
lowThe LULUCF Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/841, revised by Regulation (EU) 2023/839) sets binding commitments for the land sector to ensure net removals of greenhouse gases contribute to the EU's 2030 climate target.
Evaluators look for clear linkages between sustainable water and soil management, wetland rewetting, and the maintenance or enhancement of carbon sinks within land-use categories.
Regulation on Carbon Farming and Carbon Removals
lowThe EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) establishes a voluntary EU-wide scheme to certify high-quality carbon removals and carbon farming practices, ensuring transparency, robust quantification, and environmental co-benefits.
Proposals addressing nature-based water retention or peatland rewetting should show how carbon removal certification methodologies and sustainability criteria are respected.
Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)
lowThe High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) under UNCLOS addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction through marine protected areas and environmental impact assessments.
Evaluators expect relevance only if the water management framework explicitly impacts or interfaces with international high-seas governance and ocean connectivity.
Antarctic Treaty
lowThe Antarctic Treaty (1959) reserves the Antarctic area exclusively for peaceful scientific cooperation and freezes sovereign territorial claims while providing strict environmental protection standards.
Evaluators look for compliance with international treaty principles only if scientific research or global climate-water monitoring directly involves polar ecosystems.
EU Strategy for Outermost Regions
lowThe strategy aims to support the sustainable development of EU outermost regions, which often host unique biodiversity and face severe vulnerabilities to climate-driven water stress.
Focus on biodiversity and water security in outermost regions, if applicable, demonstrating how solutions address the specific geographical and hydrological challenges of these territories.
Specific requirements
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
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.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Joint Research Centre 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.
Multi-actor approach required
The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach.
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Applicants submitting a proposal for a blind evaluation (see General Annex F) must not disclose their organisation names, acronyms, logos nor names of personnel in the proposal abstract and Part B of their first-stage application (see General Annex E).
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.
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).
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.
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: the proposals must apply the multi-actor approach. See definition of the multi-actor approach in this work programme part.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The first-stage proposals of this topic will be evaluated blindly.
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.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
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)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
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
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
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 critically check for a mandatory Multi-Actor Approach that actively engages end-users (farmers, utilities, river basin authorities, vulnerable communities) and strict compliance with blind evaluation rules in Stage 1. They will prioritize proposals offering real-world demonstration across distinct biogeographical regions, concrete implementation of the 'water efficiency first' principle, robust circular water reuse, and actionable pricing/governance tools that address social equity and environmental restoration simultaneously.
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 | |||
| SC1uptake of innovative solutions to help retain water in natural ecosystems at regional level, including groundwater, to restore free flowing and renaturalising river shapes, to promote water-efficient practices and optimised soil-water interactions, to implement the source-to-sea approach and supporting biodiversity; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2increase preparedness against water scarcity, droughts and floods, and integrate global change adaptation strategies, including climate-resilient water infrastructure, early warning systems, and risk assessments to enhance the resilience of water systems to future climate impacts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3improve hydrological and ecological monitoring to better assess the impacts of various water resources management actions and interventions, while facilitating cross-border collaboration and open access to data. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4in line with the water efficiency first principle, identify techniques or methodologies and their advantages and develop indicators for water efficiency in various water consuming sectors, e.g. agriculture; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5develop and propose water pricing systems and certification systems that rewards sustainable land management practices and that promote the efficient provision of water services and the efficient use of water; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6propose a set of innovative technological and digital solutions for the water (services) sector and water user sectors, to promote a water-smart economy and to implement the water efficiency first principle; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7develop and upscale innovative water reuse and recycling solutions, including potable applications where appropriate, contributing to circular water use. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8analyse the barriers that prevent public participation and engagement and developing actions to increase public awareness and engagement in drinking water resource protection and river basin management plans; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9develop cost effective measures to ensure equitable access to affordable water and sanitation for groups in vulnerable situations such as women, children, elder people, low-income communities, indigenous peoples, or persons with disabilities LGBTIQ people, people with a racial or religious minority background; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10develop methodologies to improve the influence of water footprint over consumption processes/patterns. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1the water cycle is restored; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2the economy is following a water-smart path and the EU water industry is competitive; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3water is clean and affordable for all. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Implementation of the multi-actor approach and stakeholder involvementProposals must implement the multi-actor approach and ensure adequate involvement of appropriate stakeholders, including where relevant farmers, water intensive industries, energy producers, land managers, water governance bodies and local authorities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Integration of gender and intersectional dimensionThe integration of the gender and intersectional dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Synergies with Water4All and EU MissionsProposals should foster complementarities and avoid overlaps with previous Framework Programmes, the Water Security for the Planet (Water4All) Partnership, and the EU Missions on Ocean, Climate Adaptation, and Soil Deal for Europe. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Inter-project collaboration taskProposals should include a dedicated task to ensure collaboration with other projects funded under this topic to reinforce complementarities of approaches and methodologies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS dataIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Joint Research Centre (JRC) participation and collaborationJRC can participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or associated partner to support the consortium with expertise on water extremes and Copernicus Emergency Management Service enhancement. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7International cooperation under destination commitmentsR&I actions under this destination encourage international cooperation to support international treaties and the work of international bodies concerning land, water, and ocean climate action. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Support for EU outermost regionsThe Destination supports unlocking the unique assets for research and innovation of the EU outermost regions, in line with the EU strategy for outermost regions. | · | · | 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 | |||
| POL1european water resilience strategyThe Strategy aims to improve water resilience, including through ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction. The project could address freshwater species decline and propose solutions for water quality and quantity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european green dealThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource use. It encompasses various policy areas, including climate, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and biodiversity. | · | · | 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.
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
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.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Joint Research Centre 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.
Multi-actor approach required
The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach.
4 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.
A proposal will fail admissibility checks if it discloses organization names, acronyms, logos, or personnel names in the abstract or Part B of the Stage 1 application. Because this is a two-stage blind evaluation, the consortium must focus entirely on the scientific and innovation excellence of the concept without relying on institutional reputation.
Source: Eligibility rules
The Multi-Actor Approach is a strict eligibility criterion for this call, not an optional engagement strategy. A proposal that fails to actively integrate end-users—such as farmers, river basin authorities, or vulnerable communities—into the project design and execution will be rejected before scoring.
Source: Eligibility rules
To secure top scores, proposals must move beyond generic testing and offer real-world demonstrations across distinct biogeographical regions. Evaluators are explicitly instructed to prioritize solutions that simultaneously deliver on environmental restoration and social equity, particularly through actionable pricing or governance tools.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
This call operates under a lump sum funding model, meaning financial execution is tied directly to the completion and approval of work packages. The consortium must structure deliverables and milestones so that the largest lump sum installments align with the successful demonstration of water-smart technologies, avoiding severe cash-flow bottlenecks.
Source: Eligibility rules
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