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

March 2026 (anticipated)

Multi-million euro awards per project; typical Horizon Europe project duration is 3–5 years.

Supports collaborative research and innovation to restore and sustainably manage European marine and freshwater ecosystems.

--- ## Description This opportunity, managed by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe programme, aims to advance scientific knowledge and develop innovative solutions for restoring healthy and productive marine ecosystems. The call targets the establishment of a coherent European network of strictly protected areas ("Blue Parks") to support the EU Mission to restore oceans and waters. Projects are expected to foster collaboration among stakeholders, contribute to sustainable management practices, and support biodiversity recovery in marine and freshwater environments within the EU and associated countries. --- ## Due Dates - The next anticipated call is expected to open in March 2026. - All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Projects are typically funded at the multi-million euro level, with individual award sizes and durations varying by project scope. - Most Horizon Europe collaborative projects run for 3–5 years. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Consortia are usually required, involving partners from multiple countries and sectors (e.g., academia, industry, public sector, NGOs). - Specific eligibility and consortium requirements will be detailed in the official call text when published. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MISS-2025-03-OCEAN-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The process generally includes proposal submission, evaluation, and grant agreement preparation. - Guidance documents, templates, and FAQs are available on the portal. --- ## Additional Information - The call is part of the Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.” - Proposals should address scientific, technical, and policy aspects of marine ecosystem restoration. - Collaboration with stakeholders and demonstration of impact are strongly encouraged. - Open access publishing and data management plans are typically required. --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Call Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MISS-2025-03-OCEAN-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [European Commission – Horizon Europe](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) - [How to participate in Horizon Europe](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/how-to-participate/1) - [Reference documents for applicants](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/reference-documents) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Helpdesk & Support | [EU Funding & Tenders Portal Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks) | ---

Blue Parks - Towards a coherent European network of strictly protected areas for restoring healthy and productive marine ecosystems

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