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1st Transition Agendas Open Call for Sustainable Marine Transition

Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

The 1st Transition Agendas Open Call by BlueActionBANOS provides up to €100,000 in funding to support strategic planning for sustainable transitions in the Baltic and North Sea basin. Focus areas include decarbonisation, circular blue economy, sustainable tourism, fisheries management, marine restoration, climate adaptation, and pollution reduction. The call targets a wide range of eligible entities—including authorities, NGOs, research institutions, and SMEs—aimed at developing multi-year roadmaps for resilient, sustainable marine environments.

Overview

BlueActionBANOS invites applications for its 1st Transition Agendas Open Call, aimed at laying the foundation for long-term sustainability across the Baltic and North Sea basin. The initiative supports organizations in developing strategic, multi-year plans (Transition Agendas) aligned with Mission Ocean objectives, promoting systemic environmental and economic transformation in the region.

Focus Areas

Transition Agendas should address one or more of the following:

  • Decarbonising coastal zones

  • Circular blue economy initiatives

  • Sustainable blue tourism

  • Ecosystem-based fisheries management

  • Marine restoration projects

  • Climate adaptation strategies

  • Plastic and nutrient pollution reduction

  • Other activities supporting Mission Ocean objectives

Projects must outline pathways for long-term implementation and contribute to a sustainable, resilient marine ecosystem.

Funding Details

  • Total Funding per Transition Agenda: Up to €100,000

  • Maximum for a Single Entity in a Consortium: €60,000

  • Funding supports strategic planning and coordinated activities rather than operational execution.

Why It Matters

This initiative enables:

  • Development of comprehensive roadmaps for sustainable marine management

  • Promotion of systemic changes in environmental governance and blue economy practices

  • Strengthening of regional collaboration between authorities, organizations, and businesses

  • Alignment with Mission Ocean objectives, contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity protection

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include entities linked to Baltic and North Sea communities:

  • Regional and local authorities, including island and waterfront authorities

  • Non-governmental organizations, foundations, and professional associations engaged in:

    • Local development

    • Nature conservation

    • Environmental protection

    • Sustainable use of marine resources or blue economy activities

  • Educational and research institutions

  • Locally based companies, SMEs, and startups (subject to State Aid compliance)

  • Enterprises, cooperatives, or other registered organizations promoting inclusion, skills development, or sustainable blue economy initiatives

  • Financial institutions or registered cooperatives supporting sustainable investments or local development

How to Apply

Step 1: Define the Transition Agenda

  • Identify focus areas aligned with Mission Ocean objectives

  • Outline strategic goals, multi-year planning, and implementation pathways

Step 2: Assemble a Consortium (if applicable)

  • Include diverse stakeholders such as local authorities, NGOs, research organizations, and private enterprises

  • Clarify roles, responsibilities, and contributions of each partner

Step 3: Prepare Proposal

Include:

  • Strategic roadmap with objectives and milestones

  • Detailed budget (up to €100,000 per Agenda, max €60,000 per entity)

  • Timeline for planning activities

  • Evidence of consortium’s capability and regional relevance

Step 4: Submit Proposal

  • Follow BlueActionBANOS submission guidelines and deadlines

  • Ensure compliance with State Aid regulations if applicable

Tips for Applicants

  • Emphasize systemic impact and scalability of your Transition Agenda

  • Highlight multi-stakeholder collaboration

  • Ensure alignment with Mission Ocean objectives

  • Provide a realistic, detailed multi-year plan

  • Clearly outline the roles of each consortium member

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting proposals without clear connection to Baltic or North Sea communities

  • Exceeding funding limits for a single entity

  • Focusing solely on operational activities rather than strategic planning

  • Ignoring State Aid compliance for private or for-profit entities

  • Providing incomplete or vague roadmaps

FAQ

1. How much funding is available per Transition Agenda?

Up to €100,000, with no single entity receiving more than €60,000.

2. Who can be part of a consortium?

Authorities, NGOs, research institutions, SMEs, cooperatives, and financial organizations linked to the Baltic and North Sea communities.

3. Are startups eligible?

Yes, provided their participation does not conflict with State Aid rules.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Strategic planning initiatives addressing decarbonisation, circular economy, marine restoration, fisheries management, pollution reduction, sustainable tourism, and related Mission Ocean objectives.

5. Is funding for operational activities allowed?

No, the programme supports planning and roadmap development, not direct implementation.

6. Can international organizations apply?

Only if they are linked to Baltic or North Sea communities.

7. How many Transition Agendas will be selected?

Approximately 10 Transition Agendas will be funded.

Conclusion

The BlueActionBANOS 1st Transition Agendas Open Call offers a strategic opportunity for organizations across the Baltic and North Sea basin to plan sustainable, multi-year interventions. With up to €100,000 in funding and an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and Mission Ocean alignment, selected projects will create actionable roadmaps for a resilient, sustainable marine future.

For more information, visit BlueActionBANOS.