BlueActionAA Transition Agenda Call: Promoting Sustainability in Arctic and Atlantic Basin

The BlueActionAA Transition Agenda Call 1 (BAAT-01) funds the development of transition agendas that promote long-term sustainability and scalable solutions across the Arctic and Atlantic basins in alignment with the EU Mission Ocean and Waters. At least 10 grants of up to €100,000 each will be awarded to mobilise national, regional, and local actors to restore ocean and freshwater ecosystems by 2030. Eligible applicants must be based in EU Member States, associated countries, or specific overseas territories under Horizon Europe as of 1 September 2025.

Overview

BlueActionAA Transition Agenda Call 1 (BAAT-01) supports the creation of strategic transition agendas that advance sustainability in marine and freshwater systems.

The call contributes directly to the objectives of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters, which aims to:

• Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems

• Eliminate pollution

• Promote a carbon-neutral and circular sustainable blue economy

• Restore ocean and inland water health by 2030

The focus is on long-term systemic change, not short-term pilot projects.

Strategic Policy Alignment

The call aligns with major EU environmental frameworks:

• EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 (ecosystem and biodiversity restoration)

• EU Action Plan Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil

• Proposed European Climate Law

• Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy

Projects must demonstrate alignment with these EU-level strategies.

Purpose of BAAT-01

The primary objective is to:

• Mobilise national, regional, and local actors

• Develop transition agendas and strategic roadmaps

• Promote regulatory innovation

• Support scalable sustainability solutions

Transition agendas should include:

• Strategic roadmaps

• Policy recommendations

• Governance models

• Regulatory innovation frameworks

• Scaling strategies

What Is a Transition Agenda?

A transition agenda is a structured, long-term action plan that outlines:

• Systemic sustainability transformation

• Multi-stakeholder collaboration

• Policy and regulatory changes

• Investment and scaling mechanisms

It is not a research project but a coordinated governance and strategy-building initiative.

Funding Details

• Minimum of 10 grants will be awarded

• Maximum funding per grant: €100,000

• Focus: Arctic and Atlantic basins

• Project must support Mission Ocean objectives

Funding supports agenda development, stakeholder engagement, and policy roadmap creation.

Geographic Scope

Eligible countries include:

European Union Member States

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, including outermost regions.

Overseas Countries and Territories Linked to EU Member States

Horizon Europe Associated Countries (as of 01 September 2025)

Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Serbia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Applicants must be legally established in one of these eligible countries.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be legally established in an eligible country

• Develop a transition agenda aligned with Mission Ocean objectives

• Engage national, regional, or local actors

• Focus on sustainability and scalable solutions

• Align with EU environmental policy frameworks

Specific organisational types may be further defined in the official call documentation.

Why This Call Matters

BAAT-01 contributes to the EU’s target of restoring ocean and inland water health by 2030.

It supports:

• Ecosystem restoration

• Pollution prevention

• Climate-neutral blue economy transformation

• Cross-border cooperation

• Policy innovation

The initiative strengthens governance structures and long-term sustainability pathways across the Arctic and Atlantic regions.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation is legally established in an eligible country.

Step 2: Define the Transition Agenda Scope

Identify:

• Marine or freshwater system challenges

• Policy gaps

• Stakeholder landscape

• Scaling opportunities

Step 3: Align With EU Strategies

Demonstrate clear alignment with:

• Biodiversity Strategy 2030

• Zero Pollution Action Plan

• European Climate Law

• Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy

Step 4: Develop a Strategic Roadmap

Include:

• Clear objectives

• Policy recommendations

• Regulatory innovation proposals

• Stakeholder mobilisation plan

• Timeline toward 2030

Step 5: Submit Application

Follow official BlueActionAA submission procedures and deadlines.

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Competitive proposals typically include:

• Clear systemic transformation vision

• Multi-level governance engagement

• Cross-sector collaboration

• Policy innovation strategy

• Measurable sustainability milestones

• Scalability potential

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing isolated pilot projects instead of systemic agendas

• Weak policy alignment

• Limited stakeholder engagement

• Lack of roadmap clarity

• No scaling or replication strategy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Up to €100,000 per grant, with at least 10 grants planned.

2. What is the main objective?

To develop transition agendas that support long-term sustainability in Arctic and Atlantic basins under Mission Ocean.

3. Is this a research funding call?

No. It focuses on strategic agenda development and policy roadmap creation.

4. Which regions are targeted?

Arctic and Atlantic basins.

5. Are non-EU countries eligible?

Yes, if they are Horizon Europe associated countries as of 1 September 2025.

6. Must projects align with EU environmental strategies?

Yes. Strong alignment is essential.

7. What is the long-term target?

Restoring the health of oceans, seas, and inland waters by 2030.

Conclusion

BlueActionAA Transition Agenda Call 1 (BAAT-01) supports the development of strategic, policy-driven transition agendas to restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and build a carbon-neutral, circular blue economy. With grants of up to €100,000, the initiative mobilises regional and national actors to deliver scalable, long-term sustainability solutions aligned with EU Mission Ocean objectives.

Organisations capable of designing coordinated governance roadmaps and driving systemic change across the Arctic and Atlantic basins are well positioned to benefit from this funding opportunity.