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Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:increased circularity and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the economic sectors, services and product value chains at local and/or regional scale This also includes an efficient valorisation of local resources, with positive effects on air and water quality as well as on biodiversity;widespread deployment and easier replication, scalability and visibility of circular systemic solutions for a multiplication of their economic, social and environmental benefits;enhanced collaboration and knowledge transfer between public authorities (cities and regions), companies, research and citizens in addressing environmental challenges, such as climate-change, resource depletion and biodiversity loss. Scope:This topic supports the implementation of the European Commission’s...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:competent authorities and the water sector have access to effective solutions – particularly based on life sciences and biotechnology – to bioremediate and decontaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater, including groundwater) pollution and improve the resilience of aquatic ecosystems to climate change and biodiversity decline;local authorities have improved monitoring and management tools for the protection of marine, surface and groundwater ecosystems, against contaminants of emerging concern (CEC), especially PFAS, antimicrobial substances and microplastics;the impact of CEC, especially PFAS, antimicrobial substances and microplastics on marine, freshwater and groundwater ecosystems are better understood including the interlinkages of these systems. Scope:Chemical pollution of aquatic e...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:citizen engagement in nature conservation and restoration is leveraged;new business opportunities and markets in the area of nature conservation and restoration are created, thus supporting the EU objectives of nature restoration for climate mitigation and adaptation. Scope:The EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 acknowledges that protecting and restoring nature will need more than regulation alone and will notably require action by citizens. This topic intends to support citizens willing to take directly part in nature protection and restoration. It is expected to contribute to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and in particular to its target 21. A wide range of ecosystem types (in terrestrial environment, in fresh and/or marine water) can be conside...

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:drivers behind the rapid decline of specific species are better understood;policymakers, land, water and sea managers, national agencies and other stakeholders are provided with fast, practical and effective measures to prevent further decline and promote the recovery of affected species populations, thus contributing to the EU objectives of nature protection and climate mitigation and adaptation. Scope:As a result of unsustainable human activities, the global population of wild species is estimated to have fallen by more than 70% over the last 50 years[1]. This is notably documented for bird populations, with long-term trends demonstrating that Europe has experienced a major decline in biodiversity[2]. Some species that were considered common in the past have recently been assessed as...

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:urban manufacturers significantly increase their resource efficiency through increased circular material use or reduced overall material use per output;urban manufacturers contribute significantly to EU climate, zero pollution, circularity and biodiversity goals by engaging in clean, sustainable and circular business practices;improved knowledge sharing and proliferation of digital tools and methods that facilitate the adoption of circular business practices and enable large-scale diffusion. Scope: The Clean Industrial Deal confirms Europe’s dedication to its decarbonisation goals by offering clear business incentives. It will help create lead markets to boost supply and demand in clean tech and energy-intensive industries (such as chemicals, cement, steel and metals), enabling the deca...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Deepened understanding and comprehensive evaluation of cultural policy models, creative industry ecosystems, and strategies for promoting creative industries across world regions, identifying good practices, success stories and replicable models. Innovative practices, policy approaches, shared challenges, and opportunities for cross-regional collaboration and global development of creative industries are identified. International equal partnerships and collaborations are established to exchange cultural policy approaches, boost creative industries, and/or support collaborative production or co-creation, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building among participating actors. Actionable strategies are available to policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders, for cross-regional collaborations that...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Policymakers, educators, and other relevant actors have tools and recommendations to put in place more opportunities for lifelong civic and citizenship[1] learning, in support of democracy and democratic participation, including by relying on the opportunities offered by digital means, notably civic tech.Policymakers at local, regional, national and EU level have tools and recommendations for ensuring the participation of citizens in democratic life, whatever their background, especially those who face barriers to participation in democratic processes. Scope:A healthy democracy relies on citizens being able to make informed democratic choices, in free and fair elections. Meaningful and inclusive citizens’ participation and engagement can further complement and reinforce representative democracies and fo...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Provide policymakers, education and training institutions, and social partners with a solid understanding of which competences young people and workers need to support the EU economy towards the green transition to reach carbon neutrality and protect natural ecosystems.Develop actionable advice to policymakers and education and training institutions about which education and training programmes and policy measures can promote the acquisition of those competences by young people and workers in a lifelong perspective, including the gender and disability dimensions.Provide policymakers with guidance on how to address the interconnection between fostering the competences for the green transition and those for the digital transition. Scope:Environmental challenges have been one of the key drivers of labour d...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Provide policymakers with a more detailed understanding of the contribution of basic skills on the economy in the short and medium term, with a focus on their contribution to productivity and innovation, to sustain EU competitiveness and growth.Develop actionable advice about how, in a lifelong perspective, education and training systems can help foster basic skills.Promote productivity, innovation, competitiveness and growth, including by reducing gender, disability and socioeconomic gaps in basic skills. Scope:In the context of the Union of Skills, the 2025 European Commission’s Action Plan on Basic Skills identifies five basic skills: literacy, mathematics (including also financial literacy), science, digital and citizenship. Strong basic skill levels among young people and adults are key to sustaini...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Reinforced digital transformation of the news media industry by facilitating the development of new business models, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive democracies.Citizens, particularly those facing systemic disadvantages, are empowered and better equipped to make informed decisions, and news media’s role as contributor to a healthy, reinvigorated and fair democracy is enhanced. Stronger engagement with emerging media creators (such as influencers and other online content producers) to promote transparency and accountability in their role in sharing information, and to foster reliance on trustworthy media sources. Scope:Democracies are at risk when reliable and independent journalism is at risk. Yet, in order to be truly independent, media need sustainable financing models. At present, jour...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:An in-depth analysis of the socio-economic dimensions and impacts of generative AI on the cultural and creative sectors and related societal implications. Particular attention should be paid to rights and remuneration of creators, diversity of cultural expression, audience perception, consumption patterns, market dynamics, value chains, royalty allocation and the effectiveness of copyright infrastructure.Scenarios, value chains, standards and robust, agile solutions to ensure transparency and trust in the generative AI supply chain are developed, aiming for a fair and transparent market for cultural and creative content. This includes: systems for content provenance detection of AI-generated and manipulated creative content; tools and infrastructure that reinforce rights management, creators’ consent, c...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence on the factors that may influence students, researchers, and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries to move to and remain in the EU.Provide policymakers and higher education/research institutions with guidance on which policies and programmes could be effective in attracting talented students, researchers and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries to the EU.Develop actionable advice to policymakers and higher education/research institutions about how to retain talented students, researchers and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries to ensure a long-term positive impact on the EU economy’s innovation and competitiveness.Provide evidence-based policy insights/options to improve the coherence of migration pathways for skilled talent across the EU. Su...

Expected Outcome:The successful proposal will contribute to the implementation of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, the Preparedness Union Strategy and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan, by facilitating the interaction between the actors of the Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management at European, national and regional scales.Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:The Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management communities at European level are brought together to develop inter- and transdisciplinary methodological approaches, constructing and disseminating joint knowledge.The knowledge and understanding of the common aspects for Disaster Risk Management preparedness and climate change adaptation are enhanced, including the question of responsibility and accountability.The terminology and understanding of the risks and t...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:The concept of sustainable competitiveness is analysed taking into account the shifts in geopolitics, global trade patterns, as well as changes in climate, the environment (including biodiversity loss[1]), technology and demography.Policymakers are provided with recommendations and innovative solutions, including a toolbox to boost Member States and Associated Countries (labour) productivity while ensuring high social and environmental standards and increasing competitiveness within planetary boundaries. Scope:The Future of European competitiveness report (also known as the Draghi report)[2] analysed and discussed the reason for European declining competitiveness, productivity and growth vis-a-vis its main competitors. A competitive economy is defined as an economy whose sustained rate of productivity i...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Insights, recommendations, strategies, guidelines, methods and tools supporting full AI integration in CCSI practices become available to CCSI, policymakers, and stakeholders.Scenarios for co-created solutions tailored to CCSI needs, utilizing quality data and federated data sources, along with digital infrastructures, and inclusive cooperation processes, become available.Generally made available AI-powered and ethically designed solutions, tools and services in several CCSI areas benefit creators, cultural professionals, and society, including persons with disabilities and other specific needs, fostering innovative creative expressions and improving creative business models while preserving and enhancing cultural diversity, and inclusion.By mastering ethical and inclusive AI, CCSI are empowered drivers...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Increased evidence collection and intelligence gathering, effective cross-border and cross-domain cooperation and uptake by the Law Enforcement Authorities (LEA) and experts of the consolidated tools and platforms within their operational systems and methodologies in accordance with the different user’s requirements.Capacity building and consolidated training ecosystem, developed with concrete, validated, actionable, interactive training materials tailored to the specific needs of different user groups across EU Member States and beyond. European Union law enforcement, judiciary and other competent authorities and practitioners gain a better understanding and enhanced capabilities in addressing crimes related to cultural heritage thanks to the consolidations of existing solutions, standardized and tailo...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Policymakers gain insights into the cost of child poverty and the returns from securing access of disadvantaged children to quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in the EU.Policymakers receive operational advice on ways to reduce this cost and support participation of disadvantaged children in quality ECEC to close the gap with other children in the EU. Scope:Past studies researched the cost of child poverty, and the returns yielded by and ways to secure disadvantaged children’s participation to ECEC, yet their relevance to the current EU context is limited (i.e. most of them were conducted outside of the EU or they are now outdated). Producing EU-specific insights on these issues is the aim of this topic, which should help close the ECEC participation gap and improve social outcomes, in lin...

Expected Outcome:Proposals should contribute to the first two expected outcomes, and either the one listed under Focus 1, or the one listed under Focus 2.The potential of art-science and/or technology collaborations to address societal challenges and drive innovation is better understood. Guidance, toolkits, and actionable methodologies are developed to promote these collaborations, providing policymakers, professionals, and training organisations with clarity on intervention scope, applicability across various fields, and evaluation methods, metrics, or tools.New and existing national, European or international networks for art-science-technology collaborations are established or strengthened, expanding opportunities for artists to engage with science and technology. Focus 1Approaches, methodologies and model interventions for integrating arts and creative practices to enhance soft skil...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Evaluate the effectiveness and resilience of existing long term-care (LTC) policies at national and regional levels.Provide policy makers with scientific knowledge and data for evidence-informed policies to address the rising demand for affordable, accessible and high-quality long-term care, with the focus on efficient use of resources, including human, financial and technological.Propose new policy solutions to address rising long-term care needs and to ensure smooth (in)formal care transitions, including from the perspective of active and healthy ageing policies and the development of integrated care service provision at local level. Scope:In the EU, the number of people with long-term care needs is projected to increase in the future. In 2070, this number is expected to be 21% higher than in 2020.Thi...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:EU national and local policymakers develop and implement effective strategies for sustainable peace and democratic reconstruction in post-conflict areas, promoting stability, inclusivity, equity, security, human rights, and strengthening integrity and anticorruption measures to ensure transparent, accountable, and ethical use of reconstruction aid.EU and national policymakers inform their decision-making with evidence-based recommendations on international cooperation, EU democracy support, and civil society engagement in post-conflict reconstruction, leading to more effective, inclusive and sustainable reconstruction efforts.Local civil society organisations and community groups, with a focus on persons and groups in a vulnerable situation in post-conflict countries, provide guidance and support to edu...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to either the first and second (combined), or the third and fourth (combined) of the following expected outcomes:Improved implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum through evidence-based insights in asylum and migration management, age assessment of minors, and resettlement frameworks, ensuring fair and efficient migration governance.Insight into legal pathways addressing both EU Member States’ needs and potential offers of circular and permanent migration schemes in selected partner countries.Enhanced health equity for migrants, including refugees by integrating robust health data into national systems, addressing governance barriers, and tackling intersectional inequities in healthcare access, identifying data/indicators on basic needs in health and sanitation, including as compared to adequate treatment.Comprehensive evaluation o...

Expected Outcome:In line with the EU Adaptation Strategy and the objectives of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, successful proposals will support the preservation of cultural heritage (moveable, immoveable and natural with cultural significance) under a changing climate. Project results are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes:Innovative solutions for protecting and preserving cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change have been demonstrated and are made widely available for upscaling and deployment across the European Union and beyond. This includes nature-based solutions. Regional and local authorities hosting cultural heritage are better prepared to preserve it under a changing climate.Relevant stakeholders - including heritage scientists and managers, climate scientists, regional and local policymakers, civil society and representatives from t...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:EU and national policymakers and relevant stakeholders get an enhanced understanding of the drivers of violence against women and LGBTIQ people who are politically active or political aspirants.Enhanced prevention and early intervention through better understanding of the drivers and impacts of violence (short- and long-term) on women and LGBTIQ people engaged, or aspiring to engage, in online and offline political activities and how their participation evolves after experiencing violence and harassment.Uptake of evidence-based policy recommendations by policymakers and relevant stakeholders on tackling gender-based violence alongside violence against politically active women and LGBTIQ people, promoting equal political participation and addressing harmful narratives.Broader adherence to media guideline...

Expected Outcome:Activities under this topic will help progress towards the objectives and targets of the Mission Soil and of the EU Soil Strategy for 2030, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the European One Health Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance as well as the Sustainable Development Goals[1].Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:policymakers, land managers and other relevant stakeholders have an enhanced understanding of antimicrobial resistance development in soils, the key drivers and pathways of soil’s contribution to human and animal exposure to antimicrobial resistant genes and organisms, as well as antibiotic biosynthesis in soils;policymakers and land managers have increased access and capacity to implement evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance development in soils and minimising th...

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Deepened knowledge of specific factors favouring the growth of creative startups[1], in particular those with potential for disruptive innovation[2] and/or cross-sectorial innovation impacts, is made available and promoted to policymakers, investors, funding- and enterprise support bodies.Effective methods to favour the growth of creative startups, in particular those with potential for disruptive innovation and/or cross-sectorial innovation impacts, are developed, tested and put in practice by industry, investors, funding- and enterprise support bodies, and relevant decision makers.Examples of creative startups scaling up and/or engaging in disruptive innovation are made available, with a view to increase the visibility and recognition of the innovative power of Europe’s creative startups. In addition,...