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Call to Support Urban Manufacturers in Advancing Circular and Sustainable Practices

Deadline: 16-Apr-2026

The European Commission invites applications to help urban manufacturers adopt circular and sustainable practices, aligning with Europe’s climate, biodiversity, and pollution reduction goals. Grants of up to €18 million support projects that implement systemic circular solutions, improve resource efficiency, and engage local stakeholders to foster scalable economic and environmental benefits.

About the Initiative

This 2026 EU funding call aims to accelerate the transition of urban manufacturing to circular and sustainable practices. The initiative focuses on implementing systemic circular solutions, enhancing resource efficiency, sharing knowledge through digital tools, and ensuring economic and environmental benefits in urban contexts. Projects must align with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and other relevant EU strategies, including the New European Bauhaus and the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.

Key Focus Areas

Projects should address:

  1. Circularity in Urban Manufacturing – Increase the use of recycled and renewable materials, and reduce resource consumption.

  2. Sustainable Business Practices – Implement systemic circular solutions that integrate economic, social, and environmental benefits.

  3. Knowledge Sharing and Digital Tools – Improve understanding and adoption of circular manufacturing practices through digital solutions.

  4. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement – Involve local authorities, economic operators, civil society organizations, and social sciences experts.

  5. Synergies with EU Initiatives – Align with CCRI, New European Bauhaus, and other EU sustainability and climate initiatives to maximize impact.

  6. Scalability and Replication – Design projects that can be scaled and replicated across other European urban areas.

Why It Matters

Urban manufacturing significantly influences resource consumption, pollution, and local economies. Transitioning to circular and sustainable practices:

  • Reduces environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Supports economic resilience and local job creation.

  • Promotes social inclusion and reduces inequalities in urban areas.

  • Advances EU circular economy, climate, and biodiversity objectives.

Who is Eligible?

  • Legal entities, research institutions, SMEs, and consortia from the EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

  • Urban manufacturers, local authorities, civil society organizations, and other multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Funding: Total grants up to €18,000,000, with an average grant of €6,000,000 per project.

How to Apply

  1. Check Eligibility – Confirm your organization and project align with Horizon Europe and EU circular economy priorities.

  2. Define Objectives – Focus on circular and sustainable urban manufacturing solutions with measurable impact.

  3. Engage Stakeholders – Collaborate with local authorities, economic operators, civil society, and social sciences experts.

  4. Integrate Digital Tools – Incorporate knowledge-sharing platforms and digital solutions to support circular practices.

  5. Align with EU Initiatives – Ensure synergy with CCRI, New European Bauhaus, Climate-Neutral Cities Mission, and other relevant EU programs.

  6. Design for Scalability – Plan for replication and broader adoption of circular solutions in other urban regions.

  7. Submit Proposal – Follow Horizon Europe submission guidelines and requirements.

  8. Evaluation and Funding – Projects evaluated on innovation, circularity, environmental and economic impact, stakeholder engagement, and scalability.

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Emphasize measurable improvements in resource efficiency and circular material use.

  • Highlight multi-stakeholder collaboration and social inclusion.

  • Include digital knowledge-sharing mechanisms to promote adoption.

  • Ensure alignment with CCRI and other EU sustainability initiatives.

  • Demonstrate potential for replication and long-term impact.

FAQs

  1. Who can apply for this funding? Legal entities, research institutions, SMEs, urban manufacturers, and multi-stakeholder consortia from EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

  2. What is the funding amount per project? Up to €6,000,000, with total funding of €18,000,000.

  3. What types of projects are eligible? Projects implementing circular and sustainable practices in urban manufacturing with measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.

  4. Is stakeholder engagement required? Yes, local authorities, economic operators, civil society organizations, and social sciences experts must be involved.

  5. Do projects need to align with EU initiatives? Yes, alignment with CCRI, New European Bauhaus, and the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission is required.

  6. Is scalability important? Yes, projects should be designed for replication and broader adoption in other urban regions.

  7. Are digital tools mandatory? Projects should integrate digital solutions to enhance knowledge sharing and adoption of circular practices.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s 2026 funding for urban manufacturing supports the transition to circular and sustainable practices, promoting resource efficiency, environmental protection, and economic resilience. By implementing systemic circular solutions, engaging stakeholders, and aligning with EU initiatives, funded projects will contribute to scalable, long-term sustainability outcomes in urban areas.

For more information, visit European Commission.