Open Call for BlueActionBANOS Community-Led Actions Program

The BlueActionBANOS Open Call funds large, community-driven projects that support Mission Ocean and Waters objectives across the Baltic and North Sea basin. Selected initiatives receive €200,000–€2 million plus up to 24 months of operational and technical support. Eligible consortia (2–12 entities) must propose innovative, locally relevant actions that address ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, or sustainable blue-economy goals.

Overview

The BlueActionBANOS Open Call supports transformative, community-led solutions that deliver measurable local impact while contributing to the EU Mission Ocean and Waters. The initiative focuses on empowering regional actors in the Baltic and North Sea basin (BANOS) to restore ecosystems, reduce pollution, and advance a circular, carbon-neutral blue economy.

Between 5 and 15 Community-Led Actions will be selected, each demonstrating strong local relevance, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and clear alignment with Mission Ocean and Waters targets.

Key Objectives

Projects must address at least one EU Mission Ocean and Waters objective:

• Ecosystem restoration and protection: Marine and freshwater biodiversity, habitat recovery, nature-based solutions

• Pollution prevention and elimination: Reducing marine litter, nutrient runoff, chemical pollutants, and other contaminants

• Sustainable blue economy: Low-carbon, circular solutions that support clean energy, sustainable fisheries, responsible aquaculture, or resource efficiency

What the Call Funds

Each funded Community-Led Action will receive:

• €200,000 to €2 million per project

• Up to 24 months of tailored operational and technical support

• Guidance from Project Key Accounts for implementation, monitoring and quality assurance

The scale of funding corresponds to the size, ambition, and expected impact of the proposed action.

Focus Areas

The call prioritizes solutions that reflect:

• Local innovation: New or adapted practices that are impactful for the specific community

• Stakeholder participation: Strong involvement of citizens, authorities, businesses, and local experts

• Sustainable practices: Long-term, climate-resilient, and environmentally responsible approaches

• Alignment with BANOS lighthouse priorities: Baltic and North Sea ecosystems, coastal resilience, pollution reduction, sustainable marine use

Who Can Apply?

Proposals must come from consortia of 2 to 12 entities, with all partners registered in:

• BANOS countries

• EU Member States

• Horizon Europe Associated Countries

Eligible entities include:

• Regional and local authorities

• NGOs and foundations

• Professional associations

• Education, training and research institutions

• SMEs, startups and local businesses

• Cooperatives and community enterprises

• Knowledge brokers and innovation hubs

• Financial institutions supporting sustainable investments

• Other relevant registered organisations operating within the BANOS region

Why This Call Matters

• Strengthens community-driven solutions for ocean and water protection

• Builds local ownership of Mission Ocean and Waters objectives

• Supports long-term environmental resilience in the Baltic and North Sea basin

• Provides significant financial and technical support to maximize project success

• Encourages collaboration between diverse local actors

What Successful Proposals Should Demonstrate

• Clear local impact and community relevance

• Strong participatory design with stakeholder involvement

• Innovation tailored to local marine or freshwater challenges

• Feasible workplan for the 24-month implementation period

• Clear contributions to at least one Mission Ocean and Waters objective

• Capacity to manage funding and deliver measurable results

How to Apply

1. Form a consortium of 2–12 eligible entities.

2. Develop a proposal focused on BANOS-area challenges and Mission objectives.

3. Define workplans, budgets, community engagement strategies, and expected impacts.

4. Prepare documentation demonstrating eligibility, registration, and organizational capacity.

5. Submit the full application via the designated BlueActionBANOS submission platform (as specified in call guidelines).

Be sure to check the official call text for deadlines, templates, and submission requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without clear community participation

• Weak links to Mission Ocean and Waters objectives

• Missing or incomplete consortium documentation

• Overly broad or unrealistic activities for the scale of funding

• Lack of measurable outcomes or impact indicators

• Failing to demonstrate relevance to the Baltic and North Sea basin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many partners must a consortium include?
Between 2 and 12 entities, all registered in eligible countries.

2. Can a single organization apply alone?
No, consortium-based applications are mandatory.

3. What is the funding range per project?
€200,000 to €2 million, depending on project scale and ambition.

4. How long does support last?
Up to 24 months, including operational and technical assistance.

5. Are non-EU organizations eligible?
Yes, if registered in Horizon Europe Associated Countries or countries within the BANOS basin.

6. How many Community-Led Actions will be selected?
Between 5 and 15.

7. Must the proposal address all Mission Ocean and Waters objectives?
No. Addressing at least one objective is sufficient.

Conclusion

The BlueActionBANOS Open Call presents a major opportunity for community-led coalitions to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions for healthier oceans and waters in the Baltic and North Sea basin. With strong funding, extensive technical support, and a commitment to local participation, the initiative empowers communities to shape a sustainable and resilient marine future aligned with EU Mission Ocean and Waters goals.