Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership - Fourth Joint Transnational Call for R&I Funding
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Added description, priorities and consortium rules; opening date 14 Sep and Ukraine's participation confirmed
Summary
Total call budget of about EUR 37 million for transnational research and innovation projects in the sustainable blue economy. Ukraine is among the 28 countries whose funding organisations take part; pre-proposals are due by 16 November 2026 (provisional).
About the call
The fourth joint call of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership supports projects that accelerate the green and digital transitions in ocean, sea and coastal economies. Priorities: transitioning blue economy sectors for sustainability and strategic autonomy, managing sea uses through digital and ecosystem-based approaches, sustainable blue bioresources through innovation in marine production and harvesting, and resilient coastal communities, infrastructure and businesses.
Projects are run by consortia from at least three countries funded by at least three different funding organisations, including at least two independent legal entities from two different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Projects last 36 months and stakeholder involvement is encouraged. The call opened on 14 September 2026; the organiser notes that dates and terms are provisional and may change in the official announcement.
Who can apply
- Consortia of research and other legal entities from at least three countries
- Organisations from Ukraine and other countries with participating funders
- At least two independent entities from two EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries
What the funds are for
- Sustainable transition of blue economy sectors
- Digital and ecosystem-based management of sea uses
- Innovation in marine production and harvesting
- Resilience of coastal communities, infrastructure and businesses
How to apply
- 1Build a consortium from at least three participating countries
- 2Check the national rules of your funding organisation
- 3Submit a pre-proposal by 15:00 CET on 16 November 2026
Questions and answers
- What consortium is required for the SBEP call?
- A consortium from at least three countries funded by at least three different funding organisations. It must include at least two independent legal entities from two different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
- How long do projects last, and are the call terms final?
- Projects last 36 months. The organiser notes that dates and terms are provisional and may change in the official announcement.
Change history
- Updated: Added description, priorities and consortium rules; opening date 14 Sep and Ukraine's participation confirmed
Donor contacts
Email: sbep.call-secretariat@uefiscdi.ro
