Looking for projects that help shape the future of our seas

BlueActionBANOS, a Horizon Europe project under the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, has opened its first two calls. The initiative aims to support local and regional communities across the Baltic and North Sea (BANOS) region working on ecosystem restoration, reducing pressures on marine environments, and advancing the transition to a carbon-neutral, circular blue economy.

The calls are open to companies and other organisations from all countries bordering or closely connected to the North Sea and/or Baltic Sea regions, which implies that Belgian organisations are fully eligible to apply.

Building on the work of BlueMissionBANOS, this new phase focuses on the implementation and scaling of solutions, supported by funding, expertise, and guidance.

The Community-Led Actions call targets ambitious projects that create visible change on the ground. These may include initiatives that:

• restore marine or freshwater ecosystems
• reduce harmful substances and improve water quality
• protect the coastline with nature based solutions
• develop solutions that support a more sustainable blue economy

💶 Funding: €200,000 to €2 million
⏳ Support duration: up to 24 months
👤 Who can apply: consortia of 2–12 organisations from BANOS countries
🚨 Project Idea deadline: 16 March 2026

Selected projects receive not only financial support but also guidance through Project Key Accounts, technical assistance, and access to experts from across the consortium.

The Transition Agendas are designed for organisations that want to develop a strategic roadmap for their region or sector. These agendas may focus on themes such as:

• decarbonising coastal zones
• circular blue economy
• sustainable coastal tourism
• ecosystem restoration
• reducing plastic and other harmful substances
• adapting to the impacts of climate change

💶 Funding: up to €100,000
⏳ Support duration: up to 18 months
👤 Who can apply: individual organisations or consortia of up to 3 partners
🚨 Project Idea deadline: 16 March 2026

Both calls are open to a wide range of actors, including:

• local and regional authorities
• NGOs and civil society initiatives
• research institutes and educational organisations
• companies, SMEs and startups
• ports and coastal communities
• aquaculture operators, nature and heritage organisations
• citizen science initiatives, blue-tech and digital innovators

In short: any organisation contributing to a healthy and future-proof coast and sea.

BlueActionBANOS provides extensive support for applicants, including:

• individual consultations
• technical guidance for project design and implementation
• access to experts in marine science, communication, technology and policy
• peer-to-peer learning through workshops, webinars and exchange formats
• matchmaking via the BlueBioMatch platform, connecting over 550 blue economy actors

As a key North Sea region, Belgium has strong capabilities in scientific research, coastal management, marine technology and the sustainable blue economy. These calls offer Belgian stakeholders the chance to:

• secure European funding
• build new international partnerships
• develop pilot projects or long-term strategic plans
• create impact aligned with EU objectives for 2030

All details, templates and deadlines are available on the official BlueActionBANOS website.

We kindly invite you to take part in one of the following online info sessions:

• 16 December: Turning Ideas into Action – Stories from Community Projects - part 1 (English)
• 18 December: Ideeën omzetten in actie – Verhalen uit communityprojecten - deel 1 (Dutch)

Do you have any questions or need additional information?

• General enquiries: BAB_helpdesk@fundingbox.com
• Belgian enquiries: blueactionbelgium@vliz.be