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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must balance high-impact ecological engineering for coastal and marine blue carbon habitats with commercially viable, legally sound innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., high-integrity nature credits aligned with EU carbon removal certification). To secure top marks under the Mission Ocean portfolio-balancing criteria across sea basins, consortia should showcase large-scale, field-validated active/passive restoration combined with operational multi-sensor monitoring feeding directly into @EO1, @EO2, and Copernicus/EMODnet.
TRL 4 → 8
Based on programme defaults
Protection and restoration activities: Initiatives aiming to restore ecologically relevant, degraded marine and coastal habitats and species, through improving the condition of vegetated habitats and their re-establishment, in accordance with the requirements of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Projects should rely on active restoration (e.g. replanting, re-establishment of habitats, Invasive Alien Species prevention ) or passive restoration (e.g. removal of environmental pressures).Conservation Efforts: Enhancing the protection of blue carbon habitats by supporting authorities to establish and effectively manage marine protected areas (MPAs)/ EU Blue Parks, implementing the necessary regulatory measures to enable their effective restoration and prevent their degradation.
Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms that combine public and private funding, as well as innovative business models for the conservation, restoration and protection of blue carbon ecosystems. Projects aiming to protect, restore and sustainably manage marine ecosystems should explore and scientifically assess the viability, soundness and integrity of innovative business models and financing mechanisms (e.g. nature credits, carbon removal certification, etc.) for their protection, restoration and management, and assess their potential for sustainable development and resilience of EU coastal communities.
Research and Monitoring: Assess the cumulative impact of stressors (including Invasive Alien Species and climate change) on the condition of habitats and species and inform the design of necessary protection and restoration measures, using multi-sensor platforms for the long-term monitoring of habitat conditions and ecosystem health, of the restoration success and of the impacts on ecosystems and the services they provide, including natural carbon sequestration potential. Projects should also ensure the continuity of ecological monitoring beyond project duration, embedding effective restoration efforts into long-term observation networks, such as EMODnet.
Community Engagement and Education: Initiatives and actions that promote local community involvement and awareness through educational programs and stakeholders' engagement to ensure upscaling and replication.
Increased area and improved condition of marine and coastal vegetated habitats within EU waters through effective on-site conservation, restoration and management of activities to help deliver on the objectives of the Nature Restoration Regulation;
Maintained and enhanced capacity of blue carbon ecosystems to naturally store carbon, supporting EU climate mitigation goals;
Enhanced capacity of marine vegetated habitats/blue carbon ecosystems to support biodiversity and fisheries;
Established novel financing and incentive mechanisms that support conservation, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems projects;
Raised public awareness and improved community participation in blue forest ecosystems protection, restoration and management activities, ensuring long-term involvement.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
EU Nature Restoration Regulation
highThe EU Nature Restoration Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) establishes legally binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems across the EU, with specific obligations for marine and coastal habitats. It requires Member States to put in place effective, area-based restoration measures covering at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly support the implementation of national restoration plans by deploying proven, scalable restoration techniques for coastal and marine ecosystems (such as seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and saltmarshes). Proposals must demonstrate measurable ecological recovery, baseline monitoring protocols, and long-term management frameworks aligning with EU restoration targets.
European Green Deal
highThe 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.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
highAs a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological resilience, especially in the context of forest ecosystems and soil health. Specific attention to how living labs can support biodiversity monitoring and restoration in forests and natural lands is crucial.
EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change
highThe 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 emphasizes nature-based solutions, smarter and faster adaptation actions, and systemic resilience across coastal and marine zones.
Evaluators expect proposals to showcase how blue forest ecosystems act as nature-based solutions to enhance coastal resilience against sea-level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Projects should provide quantitative evidence of climate adaptation benefits alongside robust monitoring frameworks for carbon sequestration and ecosystem services.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
highThe Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU's marine waters by 2020 and protect the marine environment. It requires Member States to develop strategies to protect and restore marine ecosystems, prevent pollution, and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
Proposals should demonstrate, if applicable, how managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques, particularly in coastal rural areas, could indirectly contribute to the objectives of the MSFD. This could involve improving the quality and quantity of freshwater flows to coastal and marine environments, thereby reducing land-based pollution or mitigating saltwater intrusion that impacts coastal ecosystems. Any link should be clearly articulated and justified.
Habitats Directive
highThe Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) ensures the conservation of a wide range of rare, threatened, or endemic animal and plant species along with characteristic habitat types across Europe. It underpins the Natura 2000 network of protected sites through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and strict species protection rules.
Evaluators expect proposals to identify relevant coastal and marine Annex I habitat types (e.g., Posidonia beds, estuaries, and coastal lagoons) and demonstrate how demonstration activities directly contribute to maintaining or restoring their Favourable Conservation Status within and beyond Natura 2000 sites.
Common fisheries policy (CFP)
mediumThe Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the EU's set of rules for managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks. Its aim is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and that they provide a source of healthy food for EU citizens.
Not applicable to agriculture.
Birds Directive
mediumThe Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC) is the EU's oldest piece of nature legislation, creating a comprehensive scheme of protection for all wild bird species naturally occurring in the Union. It designates Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for rare and vulnerable species, forming an integral part of the Natura 2000 network.
Evaluators expect proposals operating in coastal and marine habitats to assess impacts on wild bird populations, especially migratory and sea birds dependent on blue forest habitats. Consortia should articulate how restoration sites integrate with or support the management objectives of designated coastal SPAs.
EU Global Gateway strategy
lowThe EU Global Gateway strategy is Europe's offer to build sustainable and trusted connections with partner countries worldwide, focusing on infrastructure, digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education, and research. It aims to mobilize investments in a values-based and transparent manner, promoting democratic values, good governance, and high standards. The strategy seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links.
Proposals should clearly articulate how they contribute to the objectives of the EU Global Gateway strategy, particularly in fostering sustainable and trusted global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation. Evaluators will look for projects that align with the strategy's values-based approach, promote high standards, and contribute to building resilient connections with partner countries.
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).
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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.
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.
To ensure a balanced portfolio covering the 4 different Mission basins[[For the purposes of Mission Ocean and waters, Member States/Associated Countries, are considered to be part of a given sea/river basin if they have a coast/riverbank on the relevant sea/river or contain river basins flowing into the relevant sea]] (1. Atlantic and Arctic sea basin, 2. Mediterranean Sea basin, 3. Baltic and North Sea basin, 4. Danube River basin, including Black Sea), grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to one proposal that is the highest ranked within each sea basin, provided that the applications attain all thresholds.
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.
Beneficiaries will be subject to the following additional obligations regarding open science practices: if projects collect in-situ data and marine observations, beneficiaries must make them openly available through the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet), based on the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates
Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System. You can find examples of standard application forms in the Reference Documents page.
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 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 primarily scrutinize the concrete feasibility and TRL progress of blue forest restoration techniques under @SC1 and @EO1, demanding proof that interventions directly support the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Crucially, they will assess whether the proposed business models and private/public blended finance schemes under @SC2 and @EO4 are methodologically robust and fraud-resistant rather than theoretical concepts. Furthermore, evaluators are bound by the portfolio-balancing mechanism across the 4 sea/river basins, requiring proposals to clearly demonstrate territorial anchoring, integration with EMODnet/Copernicus, and systemic co-ownership with regional authorities and local coastal communities (@SC4, @EO5).
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 | |||
| SC1Protection and restoration activities: Initiatives aiming to restore ecologically relevant, degraded marine and coastal habitats and species, through improving the condition of vegetated habitats and their re-establishment, in accordance with the requirements of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Projects should rely on active restoration (e.g. replanting, re-establishment of habitats, Invasive Alien Species prevention ) or passive restoration (e.g. removal of environmental pressures).Conservation Efforts: Enhancing the protection of blue carbon habitats by supporting authorities to establish and effectively manage marine protected areas (MPAs)/ EU Blue Parks, implementing the necessary regulatory measures to enable their effective restoration and prevent their degradation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms that combine public and private funding, as well as innovative business models for the conservation, restoration and protection of blue carbon ecosystems. Projects aiming to protect, restore and sustainably manage marine ecosystems should explore and scientifically assess the viability, soundness and integrity of innovative business models and financing mechanisms (e.g. nature credits, carbon removal certification, etc.) for their protection, restoration and management, and assess their potential for sustainable development and resilience of EU coastal communities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Research and Monitoring: Assess the cumulative impact of stressors (including Invasive Alien Species and climate change) on the condition of habitats and species and inform the design of necessary protection and restoration measures, using multi-sensor platforms for the long-term monitoring of habitat conditions and ecosystem health, of the restoration success and of the impacts on ecosystems and the services they provide, including natural carbon sequestration potential. Projects should also ensure the continuity of ecological monitoring beyond project duration, embedding effective restoration efforts into long-term observation networks, such as EMODnet. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Community Engagement and Education: Initiatives and actions that promote local community involvement and awareness through educational programs and stakeholders' engagement to ensure upscaling and replication. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Increased area and improved condition of marine and coastal vegetated habitats within EU waters through effective on-site conservation, restoration and management of activities to help deliver on the objectives of the Nature Restoration Regulation; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Maintained and enhanced capacity of blue carbon ecosystems to naturally store carbon, supporting EU climate mitigation goals; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Enhanced capacity of marine vegetated habitats/blue carbon ecosystems to support biodiversity and fisheries; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Established novel financing and incentive mechanisms that support conservation, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems projects; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Raised public awareness and improved community participation in blue forest ecosystems protection, restoration and management activities, ensuring long-term involvement. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Open access to in-situ marine observations via EMODnetIf projects collect in-situ data and marine observations, beneficiaries must make them openly available through EMODnet based on FAIR principles. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOSIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Collaboration with national/regional authorities, policymakers, NGOs, and communitiesProjects are required to develop collaborations with EU Member States and Associated Countries national and regional agencies, authorities, and policymakers, and engage with local communities, researchers, and NGOs. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Synergies with Lighthouse CSAs and Mission Implementation PlatformProposals should establish operational links and cooperate with the relevant Lighthouse CSAs and the Mission Implementation Platform to track progress and coordinate lighthouse basin implementation activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Pooling funding synergies with other EU programmesParticipating competent authorities and stakeholders are encouraged to pool and enhance synergies with other funding sources, such as ERDF or LIFE, for deploying solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Alignment with scientific coordination bodies for fisheries and co-managementProjects should involve or align with organizations providing cross-national and regional scientific coordination and advice on fisheries and ecosystem-based management to support participatory monitoring and data harmonization. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Single Mission lighthouse / sea basin focusEach proposal must explicitly address only one basin / Mission lighthouse (Atlantic and Arctic, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic and North Sea, or Danube River basin including Black Sea) and tailor activities to regional specificities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Multidisciplinary research approachThe topic calls for innovative multidisciplinary projects advancing large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration, and management of blue forest ecosystems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1eu nature restoration regulationThe EU Nature Restoration Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) establishes legally binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems across the EU, with specific obligations for marine and coastal habitats. It requires Member States to put in place effective, area-based restoration measures covering at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european green dealThe 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. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu biodiversity strategy for 2030As a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu strategy on adaptation to climate changeThe 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 emphasizes nature-based solutions, smarter and faster adaptation actions, and systemic resilience across coastal and marine zones. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5marine strategy framework directiveThe Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU's marine waters by 2020 and protect the marine environment. It requires Member States to develop strategies to protect and restore marine ecosystems, prevent pollution, and ensure sustainable use of marine resources. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6habitats directiveThe Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) ensures the conservation of a wide range of rare, threatened, or endemic animal and plant species along with characteristic habitat types across Europe. It underpins the Natura 2000 network of protected sites through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and strict species protection rules. | · | · | 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).
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.
Proposals must explicitly target exactly one of the four Mission basins. Evaluators are bound by a portfolio-balancing mechanism where at least the highest-ranked proposal within each sea basin will be funded. Selecting a specific basin dictates the regional specificities you must address and directly impacts your competitive grouping.
Source: Scope
If your project collects in-situ marine observations or uses satellite data, you are legally bound to use Copernicus and make data openly available through EMODnet. Evaluators will check for this integration as a core requirement for long-term observation continuity, not just as a standard data management plan.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators will rigorously scrutinize the proposed innovative financing mechanisms, such as nature credits or carbon removal certification. You must demonstrate that these private/public blended finance schemes are methodologically robust and fraud-resistant, rather than relying on theoretical or unvalidated business models.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Technical feasibility and TRL progress of blue forest restoration techniques will be judged on their direct contribution to the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Proposals must provide concrete proof that their active or passive restoration interventions support the implementation of national restoration plans.
Source: Underlying policies
Nothing to show for this call yet.