The BlueActionBANOS project is officially setting sail to empower communities across the Baltic and North Sea (BANOS) region to restore their local marine and aquatic environments. 

This four-year initiative is a core part of the EU’s Mission "Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030." Our goal is to put local stakeholders at the heart of the solution by providing the necessary funding, technical support, and expert guidance to combat pollution, restore ecosystems, and accelerate a transition toward a carbon-neutral, circular blue economy. 

Funding Opportunities: Two major Open Calls 

BlueActionBANOS is offering targeted financial assistance to different types of high-impact actions. We encourage entities across the region to begin forming their project ideas and consortia now. 

1. Community-Led Actions Open Call 

This call is designed for ambitious, multi-partner projects that will scale up and deploy established solutions piloted in the early stages of the Mission Ocean within the BANOS Lighthouse Area. 

  • Funding Available: Grants ranging from €200,000 to €2 million per project. 
  • Target: We plan to support between 5 and 15 Community-Led Actions in total. 
  • Eligibility: Consortia of 2–12 entities (e.g., NGOs, local authorities, professional associations, educational institutions, research organisations, companies). 
  • Focus: Projects must tackle pollution, restore marine or freshwater ecosystems, or advance sustainable blue economy solutions. 
  • Application Process: A two-step submission beginning with a Project Idea Form and followed by Full Proposal development. 
  • Duration: Projects will be supported for 24 months. 

 

2. 1st Transition Agendas Open Call 

This call is for foundational planning and strategic development at the local level. 

  • Funding Available: Grants of up to €100,000 per project. 
  • Target: In this Open Call, we aim to support around 10 projects to develop strategic Transition Agendas.
  • Eligibility: Individual entities or consortia of up to 3 entities (e.g., NGOs, local authorities, professional associations, educational institutions, research organisations, companies).
  • Focus: Designing detailed Transition Agendas - action plans guiding local sustainability, marine or freshwater ecosystem restoration, decarbonisation and and climate adaptation pathways aligned with EU’s Mission Ocean goals.
  • Duration: Projects will be supported for 18 months. 


Beyond financial grants, BlueActionBANOS provides: 

  • Technical Assistance: Tailored guidance leveraging the expertise of our 19-partner consortium. 
  • Knowledge-Sharing: Access to best practices and advanced tools from the wider Mission Ocean ecosystem.
  • Strategic Engagement: Resources to equip blue economy stakeholders to address complex environmental challenges at local, regional, and national levels. 


Are you ready to apply? 

We are seeking proposals from: Regional and local authorities, NGOs, foundations, professional associations, educational establishments, locally-based companies, and research performing organisations. 

We are waiting for your application! Check the details here!

Deadline: 29th of May 2026, 14:00