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

February 2, 2027

Around €3,000,000 total; 1 grant expected; lump sum funding

Funds an EU-wide expert network to advance policy, data, and knowledge on critical raw materials across the value chain.

--- ## Description This grant supports the creation and strengthening of an EU-wide expert network and community focused on critical raw materials, as identified in the 2027 assessment. The action aims to build expertise across the entire value chain for each screened raw material, including primary and secondary resources, production processes (exploration, mining, processing, recycling, refining), substitution, market dynamics, future demand and supply, risk management, materials flows, standardisation, environmental footprint, socio-economic analysis, and strategic value chains. The project will contribute to EU policy making—particularly the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act—by updating and validating data and information fact sheets, organising expert validation workshops, and facilitating in-depth discussions on strategic metals. The consortium will coordinate closely with the European Commission, share all data and results free of charge, and engage in cross-project cooperation and communication activities. --- ## Due Dates - February 2, 2027: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget: Approximately €3,000,000 (lump sum) - Only one grant is expected to be awarded under this call --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Legal entities established in: - EU Member States - Horizon Europe Associated Countries - OECD countries - African Union Member States - MERCOSUR, CARIFORUM, Andean Community - Countries with which the EU has concluded strategic partnerships on raw materials or trade agreements containing raw materials cooperation provisions - **Exclusions:** Legal entities established in China are not eligible. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or entity are also not permitted. - **Further Details:** See [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 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) for full rules. --- ## Application Process - **Type of action:** HORIZON-CSA (Coordination and Support Action), Lump Sum Grant - **Submission:** Single-stage process via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-17?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - **Expected opening date:** September 22, 2026 - **Application materials:** Use the [Standard application form (HE CSA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf) - **Evaluation:** Based on Horizon Europe criteria; see [Annex D](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) - **Further guidance:** Refer to the [HE Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) and [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Additional Information - The action is expected to coordinate with the European Commission on events and policy planning. - All data and results must be shared with the Commission free of charge. - Proposals should include dedicated tasks and resources for cross-project cooperation and communication. - Factsheets for all screened raw materials must be finalised by end of 2029, with publication expected in 2030. - Two expert validation workshops are expected in 2029. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-17?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=5&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](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 | Contact Option | Details | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Home Page | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General Enquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service| [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/Portal Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (switchboard) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA) - European Commission

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