[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

February 27, 2026

Up to €60,000 per SME; total call budget €850,000; project duration up to 8 months

Funds collaborative SME projects innovating sustainable water management and circular solutions for the Mediterranean agrifood sector.

Only interregional consortia of 2–3 SMEs from eligible Mediterranean regions may apply.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects led by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on sustainable and circular water management in the Mediterranean agrifood sector. The call aims to stimulate innovation in water and wastewater management, irrigation, efficient agricultural practices, and reduction of gas emissions from wastewater treatment. Projects must be developed and implemented by consortia of SMEs from select Mediterranean regions, promoting solutions that enhance sustainability and efficiency in water use for agriculture and food processing. --- ## Due Dates - February 27, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - Each successful SME may receive up to €60,000 in lump sum funding. - The total funding available for this call is €850,000. - Project duration is up to 8 months. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be SMEs as defined by EU Recommendation 2003/361/EC and must complete the SME self-assessment tool. - Only SMEs legally established for at least 6 months prior to the deadline are eligible. - Eligible regions: - Spain: Catalonia (ES51) - Italy: Basilicata (ITF5) - Greece: Attica (EL30), Thessaly (EL61) - Applications must be submitted by consortia of 2 or 3 SMEs from at least 2 different eligible regions. - Mono-beneficiary (individual SME) applications will not be accepted. - Consortia may include technology providers and end users (e.g., agricultural farms, food processing industries, or other relevant SMEs in the agrifood sector). - Projects must address at least one of the following domains: - Water and wastewater management - Irrigation - Agricultural practices for water efficiency - Gas emissions from wastewater treatment --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via the [AquaLoops4Med Open Call portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/12423?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=12&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Complete and attach the SME self-assessment questionnaire. - Only applications from eligible consortia will be considered. - Evaluation process: 1. Admissibility check 2. Eligibility check 3. Evaluation by three independent reviewers 4. Selection based on minimum thresholds (60% per criterion, 70% overall) --- ## Additional Information - The lead SME will coordinate the consortium throughout the project. - Only SMEs from the specified regions are eligible; consortia must span at least two different regions. - The call is open to both technology providers and end-user SMEs active in the agrifood sector. --- ## External Links - [AquaLoops4Med Open Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/12423?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=12&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [European Commission main page](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) - [SME Self-Assessment Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/sme) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

AquaLoops4Med Open Call - European Commission

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