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

November 30, 2025: Full application submission deadline

Up to €100,000 per project; 3 projects funded; total available €300,000; 24-month project duration.

Supports local/regional authorities in EU/associated countries to implement innovative, sustainable nutrient recovery and lake restoration solutions.

Only one application per lake/catchment; strict eligibility by country and authority type.

--- ## Description This grant supports local or regional authorities in eligible European countries to develop and implement two-year action plans for restoring natural lake ecosystems by adapting FERRO project solutions for nutrient removal, recovery, and reuse. The aim is to address eutrophication through integrated, sustainable approaches, leveraging remote sensing, stakeholder engagement, and practical demonstration activities. Selected projects will benefit from knowledge exchange with FERRO demonstration sites, support in action plan development, and access to a European network focused on circular nutrient management and biodiversity restoration. --- ## Due Dates - November 30, 2025: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time/CET) --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: €300,000 - Maximum funding per project: up to €100,000 (lump sum, paid in two installments: 50% at project start, 50% upon completion) - Number of projects funded: 3 - Project duration: 24 months (expected project period: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2028) - Eligible costs: 100% of direct and indirect costs (indirect capped at 25%) - Subcontracting allowed for up to 35% of the budget --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be **local or regional authorities** (e.g., city, catchment, or lake authorities) responsible for restoration activities over a natural lake or its catchment. - Must be based in an **EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country**, **excluding**: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Estonia. - The proposed project must target a **specific natural lake or catchment** (with evidence of eutrophication challenges), and the site must not have received overlapping Horizon Europe funding (including from FERRO's sister projects). - Previous experience in lake or catchment restoration is required, especially where earlier efforts had limited success. - Lakes with a surface area ≥0.5 km² are preferred for remote sensing, but smaller lakes are also eligible. - Only one grant per lake/catchment across all projects funded under the same Horizon Europe topic. - Entities subject to EU restrictive measures or certain Hungarian public interest trusts are not eligible for funding roles. --- ## Application Process - Download the [application form and annexes](https://ferroproject.eu/open-call) from the FERRO website. - Complete all required documents in **English** and compile as a single PDF. - Submit your application by email to [info@ferroproject.eu](mailto:info@ferroproject.eu) before the deadline. - Only applications using the official forms and submitted via email will be considered. - Applications will be evaluated based on: - **Excellence** (30%): relevance, scientific/technical quality - **Impact** (40%): contribution to FERRO objectives, sustainability, stakeholder engagement - **Quality and efficiency of implementation** (30%): work plan, resource allocation, risk management - Top three ranked proposals will be funded. --- ## Additional Information - A [webinar for applicants](https://ferroproject.eu/open-call) will be held on September 11, 2025, 10:00–12:00 (Brussels time). - Projects must include systems analysis, monitoring, site visits, stakeholder engagement, and comprehensive action/adaptation plans. - Reporting: interim report at month 13 and final report at month 24 required. - Subcontracting is allowed for up to 35% of the grant budget. - All communications and applications must be in English. --- ## External Links - [FERRO Open Call details and application forms](https://ferroproject.eu/open-call) - [FERRO project homepage](https://ferroproject.eu/) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Call page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11663?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Guidelines for Applicants (PDF)](https://www.ferroproject.eu/storage/app/media/FERRO_FSTP_Call_V2_29082025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@ferroproject.eu](mailto:info@ferroproject.eu) | | Funder contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

FERRO Open Call for Associated Regions

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