Deadline: 18-Feb-2026
The SUNDANSE Open Call provides local and regional authorities in EU and Horizon Europe-associated countries with up to €100,000 in grant funding for sustainable river sedimentation management. This initiative combines financial support with expert scientific guidance to help regions adopt proven methodologies for sediment dynamics, flow monitoring, and pollution assessment. The program aims to enhance river health and environmental resilience through long-term technical partnerships.
The SUNDANSE initiative is a strategic program focused on optimizing river health by addressing sedimentation challenges. Through this Open Call, the project facilitates the transfer of established, sustainable methodologies from SUNDANSE experts to local and regional authorities. By participating, regions can improve their understanding of sediment flow, quality, and pollution, ensuring long-term ecological balance in European river basins.
Why It Matters: The Importance of Sediment Dynamics
River sedimentation is a critical component of aquatic ecosystems. Improper sediment management can lead to habitat loss, decreased water quality, and increased flood risks.
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Environmental Resilience: Balanced sediment dynamics support biodiversity and the natural filtering of pollutants.
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Infrastructure Protection: Monitoring sediment quantity helps prevent the clogging of waterways and damage to hydroelectric or irrigation systems.
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Climate Adaptation: Sustainable practices enable regions to better manage the impact of extreme weather events on riverbeds and estuaries.
Core Objectives and Focus Areas
The SUNDANSE initiative provides a framework for regions to implement the following technical solutions:
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Flow & Quantity Monitoring: Tracking the volume and movement of sediment to prevent erosion or excessive build-up.
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Quality Assessment: Testing sediment for chemical pollutants and heavy metals to identify sources of river pollution.
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Solution Scalability: Demonstrating that SUNDANSE methodologies can be effectively adapted to different geographical contexts.
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Knowledge Transfer: Raising public and institutional awareness regarding alterations in natural sediment flows.
Who is Eligible?
To ensure effective implementation and compliance with Horizon Europe standards, applicants must meet specific criteria:
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Entity Type: Only local or regional authorities (Public Bodies) are eligible to apply.
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Geography: Applicants must be located in an EU Member State or a country associated with the Horizon Europe Programme.
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Language Proficiency: A working command of English is mandatory for reporting and technical collaboration.
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Operational Capacity: Organizations must demonstrate the ability to manage the technical and administrative obligations of the grant.
Funding and Benefits
Selected “Associated Regions” receive a comprehensive support package designed for rapid implementation:
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Grant Funding: Financial support of up to €100,000 to cover project-related costs.
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Expert Guidance: Direct access to SUNDANSE’s scientific and technical teams for methodology adoption.
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Collaborative Network: Integration into a long-term partnership with other European regions and technical experts.
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Resource Access: Use of proven tools and frameworks for sediment monitoring and pollution identification.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Authorities interested in adopting SUNDANSE solutions should follow these steps:
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Review the Call Documents: Access the full Open Call guidelines on the official SUNDANSE portal to ensure local river conditions align with the program’s scope.
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Identify a Replication Site: Choose a specific river section or basin within your jurisdiction that requires improved sediment management.
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Submit the Application: Complete the technical proposal detailing how your region will implement SUNDANSE methodologies.
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Evaluation Phase: Proposals are reviewed based on their impact, feasibility, and the region’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
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Grant Agreement: Successful regions sign a grant agreement and begin the onboarding process with SUNDANSE experts.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Vague Technical Goals: Ensure your proposal includes specific targets for sediment monitoring (e.g., specific pollutants to track or flow metrics).
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Language Barriers: All official documentation must be in English; ensure technical terms are used correctly to avoid misunderstandings during evaluation.
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Insufficient Resource Allocation: While the grant covers up to €100,000, ensure your authority has the internal staff capacity to collaborate with the technical experts.
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Ignoring Local Context: Proposals should explain how the proven SUNDANSE solutions will be tailored to the unique geographical needs of your region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum funding amount?
Each selected local or regional authority can receive a grant of up to €100,000.
2. Is this call open to private companies?
No. Only local and regional authorities are eligible as beneficiaries for this specific Open Call.
3. Which countries are considered “Associated with Horizon Europe”?
This includes countries like Norway, Iceland, Turkey, and the UK, among others. Always check the latest list of Horizon Europe Associated Countries for updates.
4. What can the funding be used for?
The grant supports project activities such as sediment monitoring, data assessment, awareness-raising campaigns, and the local replication of SUNDANSE solutions.
5. How long is the partnership?
The initiative aims to establish long-term scientific and technical collaborations that extend beyond the initial implementation phase.
6. Do we need our own sediment experts?
While SUNDANSE provides expert guidance, the applying authority should have a technical team capable of implementing the methodologies on the ground.
7. Is there a cost for the expert assistance?
No. The expert guidance and technical support provided by the SUNDANSE team are part of the initiative’s support package for selected regions.
Conclusion
The SUNDANSE Open Call represents a vital opportunity for European authorities to modernize their environmental management practices. By combining significant financial backing with top-tier scientific expertise, the initiative empowers regions to solve complex sedimentation issues, improve river health, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient European water landscape.
For more information, visit SUNDANSE .
