Deadline: 4-Jul-25
The European Open Rivers Programme is now accepting applications to support impactful projects aimed at restoring river ecosystems by removing small dams. The goal of the programme is to reinstate natural river flows, enhance biodiversity, and revitalize freshwater habitats across Europe.
The programme offers two main types of grants. Category A grants are focused on direct support for dam removals through various stages, depending on project readiness. These grants are designed for catchments where restoration efforts can yield the highest ecological benefits.
Within Category A, there are four subcategories. Category A1 provides funding to identify and prioritize small dams suitable for removal. This includes creating detailed inventories of barriers that document key data such as location, dimensions, photos, and field verification—especially in areas where such records do not currently exist.
Category A2 supports the preparation work necessary before a dam can be removed. This includes feasibility studies, engineering design documents, and obtaining relevant permits and permissions. The work funded here paves the way for future demolition projects.
Category A3 is aimed at funding the actual demolition of small dams where all pre-demolition work has already been completed, either through previous grants or other sources. This stream allows for swift action to dismantle barriers when groundwork has already been laid.
Category A4 also supports dam demolition, but specifically for those projects that have already received pre-demolition support through previous programme grants under Category A1 and/or A2. It is a continuation of earlier-funded planning efforts.
In addition to these, the programme offers Category B grants, which are designed to assist projects where funding for the actual demolition has already been secured from another source. These grants support the necessary preparatory work—such as feasibility assessments, design documentation, and permit acquisition—to ensure the project is ready for execution by a third-party funder. The ultimate goal of Category B is to enable and accelerate dam removals that are being supported elsewhere financially.
The programme recognizes the collaborative nature of river restoration work. Projects typically involve multiple stakeholders, including NGOs, public bodies, academic institutions, private sector contributors, and local communities. To reflect this diversity, the programme allows applications for both Categories A and B from charitable organizations and not-for-profit institutions. These applicants may apply for all grant types.
Public sector entities are also eligible, but only under Category A3 and Category B. While broad participation is encouraged, the programme does not accept unsolicited applications from public organizations, private companies, or community groups. However, these groups are welcome to contribute to projects as implementing partners.
For more information, visit the European Open Rivers Programme.
