Horizon 2020 European Green Deal Call Open to Applications

The European Commission has launched the European Green Deal Call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The aim of the Horizon 2020-funded European Green Deal Call is to spur Europe’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis by turning green challenges into innovation opportunities.

The Commission is making available €1 billion under the Green Deal Call – the last and biggest call under Horizon 2020. The call is designed to respond to the climate crisis, provide more protection to Europe’s biodiversity and habitats under threat, and accelerate a sustainable recovery.

This Green Deal Call differs in important aspects from previous Horizon 2020 calls. Given the urgency of the challenges it addresses, it aims for clear, discernible results in the short to medium-term, but with a perspective of long-term change. There are fewer, but more targeted, larger and visible actions, with a focus on rapid scalability, dissemination and uptake.

The projects funded under this call are expected to deliver results with tangible benefits in ten areas:

Eight thematic areas reflecting the key work streams of the European Green Deal:

1. Increasing climate ambition.

2. Clean, affordable and secure energy.

3. Industry for a clean and circular economy.

4. Energy and resource efficient buildings.

5. Sustainable and smart mobility.

6. Farm to fork.

7. Biodiversity and ecosystems.

8. Zero-pollution, toxic-free environments.

And two horizontal areas – strengthening knowledge and empowering citizens, which offer a longer-term perspective in achieving the transformations set out in the European Green Deal.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: ‘The €1 billion European Green Deal call is the last and biggest call under Horizon 2020. With innovation at its heart, this investment will accelerate a just and sustainable transition to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. As we do not want anyone left behind in this systemic transformation, we call for specific actions to engage with citizens in novel ways and improve societal relevance and impact.’

Applications to the 20 European Green Deal topics must be submitted by 26 January 2021 (17:00 CET).

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.