Deadline: 20-Aug-2026
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to support awareness-raising initiatives that strengthen engagement with Arctic communities, including Indigenous Peoples and youth. The initiative seeks to enhance dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge exchange between Arctic communities and policymakers while promoting sustainable development across the region.
With co-funding of up to €300,000, the call supports projects that address Arctic challenges and opportunities through collaboration, policy engagement, entrepreneurship, and the integration of Indigenous and local knowledge.
About the EMFAF Arctic Call
The funding opportunity aims to increase awareness of issues affecting the Arctic while strengthening participation by local communities in policy discussions and decision-making processes. The initiative recognizes the importance of Indigenous Peoples, youth, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders in shaping sustainable solutions for the region.
Projects are expected to foster meaningful engagement, improve understanding of Arctic priorities, and strengthen cooperation among communities, researchers, policymakers, and economic actors.
Why the Arctic Matters
The Arctic is undergoing rapid environmental, social, and economic transformation. Rising temperatures in the region are occurring significantly faster than the global average, creating challenges for communities, ecosystems, and traditional livelihoods.
Key challenges include:
- Climate change impacts on local communities
- Pressure on traditional economic activities
- Limited economic diversification opportunities
- Barriers to participation in policy processes
- Environmental and social vulnerabilities
- Changing conditions affecting marine and coastal economies
At the same time, the Arctic presents opportunities for innovation, sustainable development, and community-led economic growth.
Programme Objectives
The call seeks to:
- Strengthen dialogue between Arctic communities and policymakers
- Increase awareness of Arctic challenges and opportunities
- Promote cooperation and stakeholder engagement
- Support Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic participation
- Encourage youth involvement in Arctic development
- Improve access to funding opportunities and financial literacy
- Promote sustainable economic growth
- Support circular economy approaches
- Strengthen the role of Indigenous and local knowledge
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange
Projects should demonstrate how they contribute to stronger community engagement and sustainable development outcomes.
Priority Areas
Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Economic Participation
The programme supports initiatives that strengthen economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Activities may focus on:
- Indigenous entrepreneurship development
- Business support initiatives
- Economic participation programmes
- Skills development opportunities
- Youth entrepreneurship initiatives
- Community-led economic development
Special attention is encouraged for projects supporting young entrepreneurs.
Financial Literacy and Access to Funding
Projects may help communities better access economic opportunities and available funding mechanisms.
Eligible activities include:
- Financial literacy programmes
- Funding awareness initiatives
- Capacity-building activities
- Business development support
- Access-to-finance guidance
Improved financial knowledge can help strengthen community resilience and economic sustainability.
Policy Research and Dialogue
The call encourages activities that strengthen cooperation between communities and decision-makers.
Examples include:
- Policy research
- Stakeholder consultations
- Community engagement processes
- Structured dialogue initiatives
- Evidence-based policy recommendations
Projects should help ensure that Arctic voices contribute to policy discussions.
Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration
The programme values collaborative approaches that facilitate learning and cooperation.
Activities may include:
- Peer-learning programmes
- Networking initiatives
- Knowledge-sharing platforms
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Community exchanges
Projects should encourage long-term cooperation and relationship-building.
Sustainable Development and Circular Economy
The call promotes sustainable economic development that balances environmental, social, and economic priorities.
Areas of focus include:
- Circular economy initiatives
- Sustainable business models
- Green innovation
- Resource efficiency
- Community resilience strategies
- Sustainable blue economy development
Projects should demonstrate how sustainability principles are incorporated into proposed activities.
Indigenous and Local Knowledge
The programme recognizes the value of traditional knowledge in addressing Arctic challenges.
Supported activities may focus on:
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- Community-led innovation
- Traditional practices and sustainability
- Climate adaptation knowledge
- Local expertise in natural resource management
- Knowledge integration into policy and development planning
Projects should respect and elevate Indigenous perspectives and experiences.
Eligible Activities
Examples of activities that may be funded include:
- Workshops and training events
- Awareness-raising campaigns
- Policy research projects
- Community engagement initiatives
- Structured dialogue processes
- Peer-learning activities
- Networking and collaboration events
- Knowledge-sharing programmes
- Stakeholder consultations
- Capacity-building initiatives
Activities should contribute directly to the objectives of the call.
Funding Information
The European Commission expects to support:
- One project under this call
- Co-funding of up to €300,000
Applicants should prepare realistic budgets aligned with project objectives and expected outcomes.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Public legal entities
- Private legal entities
- Self-employed persons
Applicants must be established in:
Eligible Organisations
Applications are expected from Arctic-related organizations, including:
- Organizations representing Arctic municipalities
- Indigenous Peoples’ organizations
- Youth organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Economic and business associations
- Political and community groups
- Regional stakeholder organizations
Applicants should demonstrate a strong connection to Arctic issues and communities.
Expected Impact
Supported projects are expected to contribute to:
- Greater awareness of Arctic challenges
- Stronger community participation in policymaking
- Increased youth engagement
- Improved Indigenous economic participation
- Enhanced knowledge exchange
- Stronger stakeholder collaboration
- Sustainable economic development
- Greater recognition of Indigenous and local knowledge
- Improved climate resilience and adaptation
Projects should deliver measurable benefits for Arctic communities and stakeholders.
Why This Funding Matters
Arctic communities are facing rapid change driven by climate, economic, and social transformations. Supporting meaningful engagement between communities and policymakers is essential to ensuring that development efforts reflect local priorities and knowledge.
This initiative helps:
- Amplify Arctic voices
- Strengthen Indigenous participation
- Support youth leadership
- Encourage sustainable economic development
- Promote climate resilience
- Foster collaboration across sectors
- Advance inclusive policymaking
By investing in awareness, dialogue, and cooperation, the programme contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Arctic region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the EMFAF Arctic call?
The call supports awareness-raising and engagement initiatives that strengthen cooperation between Arctic communities and policymakers. - How much funding is available?
The selected project may receive co-funding of up to €300,000. - Who can apply?
Public and private legal entities, as well as self-employed persons established in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland. - What types of organisations are encouraged to apply?
Arctic-related organizations representing Indigenous Peoples, youth, municipalities, civil society, economic interests, and other community stakeholders. - What activities can be funded?
Workshops, awareness campaigns, policy research, dialogue initiatives, peer-learning activities, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-sharing projects. - Does the programme support Indigenous entrepreneurship?
Yes. Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic participation is one of the key priorities of the call. - What role does Indigenous knowledge play in the programme?
The initiative promotes the integration of Indigenous and local knowledge into innovation, sustainability, climate resilience, circular economy practices, and sustainable development.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s EMFAF Arctic Community Engagement Call provides an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation, awareness, and participation across Arctic communities. With funding of up to €300,000, the programme supports initiatives that empower Indigenous Peoples, engage youth, promote sustainable development, and strengthen dialogue between communities and policymakers. By valuing local knowledge and encouraging collaboration, the initiative contributes to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Arctic future.
For more information, visit European Commission.