New call within Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
The blue economy plays a key role in the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient society. Through the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, European countries join forces to stimulate innovation in marine and maritime sectors.
This third call focuses on digitalisation and innovation to strengthen ecosystems, businesses and coastal communities, making them more resilient to change and boosting Europe’s blue economy.
Interested in joining this call? You have until 17 November 2025 to submit a short project outline (5 pages).
Call topics
Projects can be submitted within one of the following five topics:
- Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTOs) for regional sea areas
- Transition of blue economy sectors and development of marine multi-use infrastructures
- Climate-smart planning and management of sea uses at regional level
- Blue bioresources, focusing on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and new bio-based products
- Resilient coastal communities and businesses
The call targets impact-driven projects that contribute to the transition towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral blue economy.
Who can apply?
Flemish companies can apply for funding through VLAIO, while international partners should contact their respective national or regional funding agencies. The call is open to applicants from 29 countries, including Belgium.
Projects are encouraged to involve at least two European sea basins, such as the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea or Mediterranean Sea.
Practical information
- Pre-proposal deadline: 17 November 2025, 15:00 CET
- Full proposal deadline (provisional): 17 June 2026, 15:00 CEST
- Consortium requirement: at least three independent partners from three different countries
- Project duration: maximum 36 months
For Flemish applicants, the VLAIO rules for R&D projects apply.
- Funding amount: minimum €25,000 (experimental development), minimum €100,000 (industrial research), maximum €1,000,000
- Funding rate: 25% for development activities, 50% for research activities
- Additional support:
- +10–20% for SMEs
- +15% for international collaboration
- Maximum total funding rate: 60%
- VLAIO has allocated a budget of €1 million for Flemish partners participating in SBEP projects.
More information?
On 6 October, an online information session was held where more details about the call were shared. You can re-watch the session or download the presentation. Further details are also available on the official call page.
Do you have a project idea or would you like to find out whether your proposal is eligible? Get in touch, and we’ll be happy to explore possible collaborations together.
What is the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership?
The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) is an initiative under Horizon Europe that brings together more than 25 European countries to stimulate research and innovation in the blue economy. The partnership aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral and resilient marine and maritime economy.
Through calls like this one, SBEP supports international cooperation projects that address challenges at sea - from climate change and biodiversity to food supply and the circular economy. Flemish companies can participate via VLAIO, which coordinates the Flemish funding and acts as the link with the European programme.
