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

April 16, 2026 (Stage 1) | September 23, 2026 (Stage 2)

€7–8 million per project | Approx. 3 projects funded | Project duration typically 3–4 years

Supports innovative research and demonstration of bioremediation and decontamination solutions for persistent and emerging aquatic pollutants in European waters.

--- ## Description This European Commission grant, under Horizon Europe, seeks proposals for the development and demonstration of novel, site-specific solutions to bioremediate and decontaminate aquatic environments. The focus is on removing persistent and emerging pollutants—including PFAS, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, pesticides, plastics, and other micropollutants—from marine, freshwater, and groundwater systems. Projects should leverage advanced life sciences, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, and integrate environmental monitoring and risk assessment methods. Stakeholder engagement and a strong understanding of pollutant pathways are essential. The initiative ultimately aims to support the resilience of aquatic ecosystems and contribute to EU environmental strategies and directives. --- ## Due Dates - April 16, 2026: First-stage (stage 1) proposal submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) - September 23, 2026: Second-stage (stage 2) proposal submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: €23,000,000 - Expected EU contribution per project: €7,000,000–€8,000,000 - Approximate number of projects funded: 3 - Typical project duration: 3–4 years --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (see [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)). - Consortia must include at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different eligible country, with at least one in an EU Member State. - Participation of SMEs and start-ups is encouraged. - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner. --- ## Application Process - Two-stage application: - Stage 1: Submit a short proposal by April 16, 2026 (blind evaluation; do not disclose organization or personnel details). - Stage 2: If invited, submit a full proposal by September 23, 2026. - Applications must be submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Detailed conditions, templates, and guidance are available in the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) and [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should demonstrate complementarity with existing Horizon Europe projects, especially those under the “Restore our Ocean and Waters” Mission and the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC). - Strong stakeholder engagement (including researchers, technology providers, policy makers, and local authorities) is expected. - Case studies reflecting regional climate specificities are welcomed but not required. - All first-stage proposals are evaluated blindly. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual (application guidance)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Resource | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | EC contact form | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

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