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Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:Measurable improvements in the status of critical marine and/or freshwaters habitats (including blue carbon sequestration capacities) and of species through active and passive conservation and restoration measures;Increased sustainability of fishing practices and tools and enhanced implementation of eco-system-based approaches as outlined in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP);Measurable socio-economic benefits for local communities, skill development and job creation;Enhanced governance in the co-management of ecosystems and resources at local and basin level and overall strengthened Mission governance framework;Improved cross-border coordination in fish movement data collection and exchange. Scope:The Communication of the Commission on “A vision for agriculture and food sectors - Shaping togethe...

Expected Outcome:This topic aims at directly engaging and supporting public authorities and other relevant socio-economic actors (e.g. farmers, landowners, aquaculture producers, tourist operators, fishers, businesses, water management authorities) in addressing aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss, thereby demonstrating and accelerating the transitions needed for achieving one or several objectives of the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”. The direct involvement of relevant authorities and stakeholders in the consortium is strongly encouraged.Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:Member States and Associated Countries are provided with cost-effective solutions to reach the targets of the Water Framework and the Marine Strategy Framework directives, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and the EU strategy for sustainable chemicals...

Expected Outcome:Activities should align with the international goals of the European Green Deal, specifically contribute to the EU soil strategy for 2030, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and the proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive. In broader terms, the activities will also support EU’s efforts towards Ukraine's long-term reconstruction, focusing on reducing soil pollution and facilitating restoration, in line with the Ukraine Plan.Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:strengthened regional R&I ecosystems and enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I approaches, allowing for effective cooperation between research, practice and policy to tackle soil health challenges in Ukraine arising from military actions and other indirect pressures;increased...

Expected Outcome:In support to the implementation of the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate change, and in particular having regard to the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan, project results should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Local climate adaptation actors, the financing sector, the public grant sector, and climate adaptation financing experience are brought to work together on making local adaptation actions financeable by combining public grant funding and private financing via bank loans and on overcoming the practical barriers on combining these and finding solutions, and specifically through demonstrating this with intermediated EIB adaptation lending.Local innovative adaptation actions (including nature-based solutions) have been implemented thanks to their financing by the combination of private financing via bank loans...

Expected Outcome:Activities under this topic will support the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the EU Soil Strategy for 2030, including the implementation of the EU Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive, the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Water Resilience Strategy, and the forthcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan.Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:enhanced monitoring of soils at subnational level (e.g. regions and municipalities) leading to an overall improved soil resilience against extreme weather events, particularly in terms of soils’ capacity to withstand and recover from floods, droughts, heatwaves and broader temperature fluctuations;tailored soil management practices and solutions that improve soil health are adopted, promoting sustainable land management, enhancing food system resilience, including food security[1], and st...

Expected Outcome:The successful proposal will support the implementation of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Projects are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:The methodology for identifying, selecting and consolidating global and regional reference climate data sets and scenarios is advanced and their consistent use across the EU in relation to climate adaptation is supported.Standardisation and quality of climate services across the EU are improved, and their uptake is enhanced.Climate services and best practices are used effectively to inform climate adaptation policies and decisions Scope: Rationale As climate risks intensify, the demand for tailored and effective climate services is growing. However, despite their increasing adoption, the lack of sufficient regulation can compromise quality assurance...

Expected Outcome:The successful proposal will contribute to the implementation of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:The wide range of solutions tested and deployed in the context of the Adaptation Mission and the good practices emerged in its Community of Practice are harvested, assessed, structured and systematised to support the implementation of the Mission.Regional and local authorities can access, in the local language, the latest and most actionable solutions for climate adaptation relevant to their (climatic) conditions. Adaptation solutions stemming from research and innovation are ready for replication and scale-up, contributing to the delivery of the Adaptation Mission and acceleration of adaptation efforts across Europe. Legacy of the knowledge...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Additional regional and local assets (data, models, digital twins) are made available on the DTO core infrastructure, EDITO;New digital twin applications, emphasising on regional and local conditions and addressing regional considerations, including stakeholders needs, availability of data, etc.;Enhanced digital twin regional capabilities, creating in the EU DTO core infrastructure, EDITO, the conditions to directly support policy implementation, including marine environmental policy, and Blue Economy applications which build on the regional characteristics of the sea-basin;Development of regional what-if-scenarios libraries, including confidence thresholds and related analysis, quantifying the necessary conditions to increase confidence levels, etc.;Support to monitoring and sustainable...

Expected Outcome:Successful proposals will support the implementation of the EU Adaptation Strategy, the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, the European Water Resilience Strategy, the EU Preparedness Strategy and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan. Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:Navigable inland waterways, their surroundings and related infrastructure are managed in a more integrated and sustainable manner across Europe and become more climate-resilientClimate and environmental risks to water infrastructure (e.g. droughts, flooding, slow onset events, ecological degradation and cascading and compound events) are more effectively addressed in a systemic way. Safe, efficient and reliable navigability conditions are improved.Cost-efficient and environmentally friendly measures -- especially nature-based solutions -- are identified w...

Expected Outcome:Excellent capacities in research management are essential for institutions and national R&I systems to enhance their research excellence and capitalize on their R&I activities in a knowledge-based economy and society. The Research Management Facility aims at providing institutions in Widening countries that want to establish or upgrade their research management capacities with tailored support. The Research Management Facility also advises on an implementation strategy to introduce changes in the institutional set-up, in line with the ERA priorities. However, the action does not provide support for the implementation of the strategy.Strong research management ensures effective grant acquisition, resource allocation, compliance with funding regulations, and strategic planning. It supports high-quality research by streamlining administrative processes, facilitating interdi...

Expected Outcome:The Synergy action for Teaming Centres of Excellence (CoE) responds to the need to ensure the sustainability of CoE funded under the Teaming calls[1]. The establishment of CoE in Widening countries, supported by a significant investment in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, has created new opportunities for scientific, societal, and economic impact. However, to fully capitalise on this investment and enhance the sustainability and international competitiveness of these CoE, it is essential to facilitate stronger collaboration and strategic joint initiatives among them.Proposals are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes:Stronger long-term collaboration among Teaming CoE through structured joint initiatives and clustering efforts to enhance mutual learning, resource sharing, and collective research and innovation capacity;Strategic transformation of R&I system...

Expected Outcome:The Hop-on Facility allows for legal entities from Widening countries to join already funded Horizon Pillar II ‘main’ work programme and EIC Pathfinder collaborative R&I actions, subject to the agreement of the respective consortium and provided that legal entities from such countries are not yet participating as beneficiary, associated partner, or affiliated entity. The scheme aims to improve the inclusiveness of Horizon Europe. Selected consortia will be invited to submit a grant agreement amendment request of the eligible already funded action.Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:At system level, mobilise excellence in the Widening countries, increase visibility of the beneficiaries from the widening countries, improve knowledge circulation, and boost their participation in specific thematic domains;At consortium level, open up establis...

Scope:The high speed and significant manoeuvrability of hypersonic vehicles, particularly hypersonic glide vehicles, create difficult conditions for target detection and tracking, which are exacerbated by changes in radar cross section characteristics. Radar waveforms and signal processing become essential to counter the effects induced by hypersonic threat dynamics. In addition, the last decade has seen a global increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for battlefield intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. Anti-UAV radars therefore need to be developed to detect, identify and track such systems. Innovative approaches (e.g. AI and cognitive methods) can provide the means to select the best waveform receiver filter combination to maximise radar detection and tracking performance also using a feedback loop between the received and transmitted signal characteristics.This t...

Scope:There is a need for a new multirole light aircraft that can bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology, as most of the fleet in this segment across the EU is ageing.The future multirole light aircraft (FMLA) concept must not duplicate or create fragmentation of existing systems of turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft and associated electronic systems. By exploiting the existing platforms, technologies and innovations in Europe, this research topic can reduce the risks associated with the development of FMLA capabilities for air-to-ground operations. FMLA should also be effective in specific combat roles such as light attack, anti-drone interception and close air support.The objective of this topic is therefore to develop a low-cost, single-engine (turboprop) aircraft capable of operating in a variety of operational environments, providing direct...

Scope:The objective of this topic is to assess the feasibility of creating an AI framework for defence applications as a springboard for developing future tactical intelligence concepts by providing military simulation capabilities, historical data sets, a rich scenario and benchmark database, access to doctrinal models and output from previously developed AI services. This would also enable a common simulation framework for war games/combat simulations with the potential to similarly facilitate improved learning support in mission planning and execution, including through AI-enabled battlespace simulation.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible...

Scope:The next generation of tactical military networks are being developed using software defined radio solutions and software defined network solutions to provide secure and resilient communications against cyberattacks. More agile and flexible than traditional approaches, these solutions make it much easier to integrate additional devices, including mobile devices, and innovative technologies into military networks such as quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography and physical unclonable functions. In particular, quantum key distribution aims to provide a higher level of trust in information sharing and cyber defence operations by ensuring that all intrusions and hacking attempts are detected in real time using quantum principles.Building on previous and ongoing EDF R&D activities in this area, this topic aims to develop software defined network technologies and solutions fo...

Scope:Air-to-air refuelling enhances military operations by enabling long-range missions. Refuelling currently requires manual coordination between tanker operators and receiving pilots, which is complex and labour-intensive. Automated air-to-air refuelling solutions are expected to reduce workload and increase safety for both crews, while also being essential for future unmanned aerial systems.The objective of this topic is to explore the development of sensor systems, in particular hardware and sensor fusion, to enable accurate relative navigation between tanker, receiver and refuelling systems, even in adverse conditions. In addition, enhanced optical sensors, advanced image processing, flight control algorithms and pilot assistance interfaces will play a crucial role in improving the docking and refuelling process, increasing safety and time efficiency.This topic contributes to the S...

Scope:This topic aims to improve the design of underwater platforms and the proper integration of sonars, including the verification of existing tools and the development of better tools for modelling underwater flow-generated noise that can support the placement of sonars and the simulation of radiated noise from underwater platforms. The models to be developed for both sonar design and radiated noise will include the generation of high-quality verification data and would support the design of underwater platforms and the placement and design of sonars.Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge and studies, not excluding downstream activities eligible for research actions.Indicative budget: EUR 10 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-RA call.Indicative number of proposals to be funded: One proposal is to be funded for this topic. However, depending on...

Scope:Current military decontamination processes are manual and time-consuming, while automation could improve efficiency, safety and control. Clearance decontamination, which ensures that equipment is safe for transport and disposal, is a challenging process that may require advanced technologies. A new approach to CBRN decontamination is needed that is simple, safe, reliable and uses minimal water. New technologies such as catalysts and UV radiation are being considered to neutralise agents without damaging equipment. Decontamination is also critical in the management of biological emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics, and is not limited to military scenarios. Solid sorbents, including nanosorbents, are promising, with advantages such as low toxicity and non-corrosiveness. Clearance decontamination should conform to nationally established standards and guidelines so that the...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:AI-based demonstrators for Earth Intelligence tools integrating observations and socio-economic data, for evidence-based decision making. Whereby Earth Intelligence refers to data-driven decision support tools with relevant research-based assessments, data, and options;support to national, EU and international environmental policy making or implementation (e.g. European Climate Law, Preparedness Union Strategy, Nature Restoration Regulation, Paris Agreement, or Sustainable Development Goals). Scope:Proposals should develop and demonstrate downstream applications for a range of use cases (e.g. weather-, climate-related risks, environmental hazards, or biodiversity reporting) using broadly and intensively Earth Observation and relevant datasets for supporting sustainability and competitive...

Expected Outcome:1. Comprehensive support to EDICs, the Commission and Member States by:   the provision of legal and operational advice to established EDICs, including on the compliance with the DDPP Decision, other EU legislation and where applicable national legislation; and maintaining a repository of thereof; support the Commission and Member States on the EDICs in preparation and in identifying and mobilising new EDIC initiatives, pursuing outreach activities and reporting progress in the State of the Digital Decade Report;creating and maintaining of consolidated data and information repository on EDICs, including best practices and data promoting EDIC results (quantified where possible), and reporting; accessible to relevant stakeholders;  liaising and coordination between EDICs as well as between EDICs and other MCP implementation mechanisms and other relevant stakeholders,  base...

Expected Outcome:Deliverable:Connected National Coalitions for Digital Skills and Jobs to the Core Platform. Objective:The Digital Skills and Jobs Platform provides a single point of information related to digital skills in Europe. At EU level, the Platform gathers all relevant information and funding opportunities for stakeholders to benefit from. At national level, it connects to National Coalition websites, establishing a mutually enriching exchange with relevant content and data on digital skills and jobs. In 2024, 22 national websites are connected to the Platform. Additional Member States websites will be connected by the ongoing project on National Coalitions for Digital Skills and Jobs[1] by 2026. The Platform also hosts the Cyber Security Skills Academy and will host other relevant sectoral academies and initiatives. The objective of this topic is to consolidate and uphold the o...

Expected Outcome:Deliverables:​​​​​​Three open calls for pilots (at least one call per year) launched and managed providing financial support to third parties to at least 20 EdTech start-ups/SMEs from across Member States and eligible countries. A minimum of 60% of the total budget should be spent on Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP) and the maximum amount per third party can amount up to 150.000 EUR to allow short pilots testing in real education or training environments;Developed and implemented a yearly 12-months incubation and acceleration programme providing a mix of mentoring, networking services, consultancy, training and/or business and access-to-market support to the selected companies;Short pilots implemented in real education and training environments to gather impact assessment data of the selected solutions. Human-centric design methods involving users and strong li...

Expected Outcome:Optimisation of the operational framework for D&E for the Digital Europe Programme taking into account the elements mentioned under “scope”, with solid methodological and practical approaches. Identification of distinct types of adopters and the creation of a taxonomy articulating their respective interests and needs.Support to projects in the preparation and execution of D&E activities, including valorisation and uptake of results via advisory, business support and acceleration servicesA plan to deliver on the operational framework backed by monitoring and evaluation metrics. The delivery of actions implementing the operational framework and involving stakeholders as appropriate, including sector specific and programme-wide events. The means and tools to facilitate the delivery of the operational framework, including functional and technical requirements for a dedicated...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes:Improved quality and reduced uncertainty of global and regional climate change projections;Critical knowledge and data gaps in Earth system science as identified in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) and other authoritative sources, are addressed, ensuring that future climate assessments are grounded in the most comprehensive and up-to-date scientific evidence;New climate science evidence is generated that is relevant for policy needs and for informing climate action. Scope:The global community’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change requires the continuous advancement of climate science and related disciplines. International climate policy is informed primarily by the assessments made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which provides the most compreh...