Apply Now: Thematic Area 4 Coordination and Support Action

The PRIMA Programme 2026 funds a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) to strengthen the Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice. With a budget of €1.05 million, the initiative promotes cross-sectoral governance, knowledge-sharing, and policy integration across water, energy, food, and ecosystem sectors in Mediterranean contexts.

Program Overview

This PRIMA 2026 CSA call aims to consolidate and institutionalize the Mediterranean WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem) Nexus Community of Practice. The initiative strengthens coordinated governance across land, water, energy, food, and ecosystems while supporting cross-sectoral dialogue, joint planning, and policy integration. The action builds on the foundations of the WEFE4MED project to expand a structured, sustainable community that enables collaborative learning and effective decision-making.

Key Highlights:

• Total indicative budget: €1.05 million
• Stage 1 submission deadline: 11 June 2026
• Focus: Cross-sectoral governance, policy integration, knowledge-sharing
• Target region: Mediterranean and associated PRIMA participating countries
• Consortium type: Small, agile, with expertise in participatory processes and science–policy interfaces

Objectives and Scope

The CSA focuses on:

• Consolidating and institutionalizing the Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice
• Strengthening governance mechanisms across interconnected natural resource systems
• Promoting cross-sectoral dialogue, joint planning, and integration of Nexus principles into policies and strategies
• Supporting alignment with European water, soil, ocean, and agriculture frameworks
• Enhancing knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and peer-learning among stakeholders
• Facilitating replication and scaling of Best Management Practices across Mediterranean contexts

Expected Project Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to:

• Identify and network demonstration cases showcasing practical, financially viable, and adaptable WEFE Nexus solutions
• Generate transferable knowledge and tools to support replication in diverse socio-economic and territorial contexts
• Develop structured peer-learning and capacity-building programs for public authorities, basin organisations, private sector actors, and civil society
• Create and maintain a digital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and access to curated resources
• Provide advisory support to public authorities for integrating Nexus approaches into governance frameworks
• Produce a roadmap for institutional anchoring and long-term sustainability of the Community of Practice

Multi-Actor Approach and Stakeholder Engagement

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to:

• Facilitate participatory processes and cross-sectoral collaboration
• Engage diverse stakeholders, including public authorities, private sector, civil society, and research organizations
• Manage science–policy interfaces effectively
• Ensure continuous knowledge exchange and co-development throughout the project lifecycle

Eligibility Criteria

• Legal entities established in PRIMA participating countries across Europe, the Mediterranean, and associated regions
• Consortiums should be small, agile, and possess relevant expertise in Nexus governance, participatory processes, and policy engagement

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility of your legal entity and consortium partners
2. Develop a proposal focusing on strengthening the WEFE Nexus Community of Practice
3. Include plans for demonstration cases, capacity-building, and digital platform development
4. Detail strategies for stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, and policy integration
5. Submit Stage 1 proposal by 11 June 2026
6. Prepare for Stage 2 submission following evaluation feedback

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects without clear multi-actor collaboration or participatory methods
• Omitting plans for digital knowledge-sharing platforms or capacity-building programs
• Neglecting strategies for long-term institutional anchoring and sustainability
• Overlooking alignment with European water, soil, ocean, and agriculture frameworks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the total budget for this CSA call?
   €1.05 million.
2. What is the submission deadline for Stage 1?
   11 June 2026.
3. Who can apply?
   Legal entities from PRIMA participating countries in Europe, the Mediterranean, and associated regions.
4. What are the focus areas?
   Cross-sectoral governance, policy integration, knowledge-sharing, and scaling of Best Management Practices in the WEFE Nexus.
5. Is a consortium required?
   A small, agile consortium with expertise in participatory processes and science–policy interfaces is recommended.
6. Are digital tools required?
   Yes, a digital platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration is expected.
7. How is long-term sustainability ensured?
   The project must develop a roadmap for institutional anchoring, identifying potential host organizations and funding pathways.

Conclusion

The PRIMA 2026 CSA call offers a unique opportunity to strengthen and scale the Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice. By fostering multi-actor collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy integration, the initiative enhances cross-sectoral governance, supports sustainable resource management, and promotes the adoption of innovative solutions across Mediterranean contexts.