Addressing aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss through nature positive solutions from source to sea (HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-02)

The European Commission has opened a call under the Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” for research and innovation projects that address aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss through nature positive solutions along the continuum from freshwater to marine environments. Topic HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-02 is a Research and Innovation Action with a total budget of EUR 31 million. The indicative EU contribution per project is EUR 7 to 7.75 million, with around four projects expected, covering at least one per basin lighthouse across the Atlantic and Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic and North Sea, and Danube and Black Sea. Projects are expected to tackle land based sources of pollution including agricultural runoff, urban wastewater and industrial discharge, establish demonstration sites, monitor pollution impacts, quantify ecosystem services, assess economic viability, and engage at least four associated regions for replication. Consortia are expected to bring together research institutions, river basin authorities, environmental agencies, NGOs and industry partners, with at least three independent entities from three different countries including one EU Member State. The call opened on 4 February 2026 and closes on 23 September 2026 at 17:00 CEST. Proposals are submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.