Grants

The objective of this grant is to support and contribute to the implementation of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) in the energy sector through studies. The grant aims to finance studies for the preparation of the implementation of PCIs and PMIs, including activities such as preparatory, mapping, feasibility, evaluation, testing and validation studies, as well as any other technical support measure for project development and financing. The expected impact is to contribute to the further development and implementation of PCIs and PMIs, helping to achieve the broader policy objectives of the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E), the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, and the EU's 2030 climate and energy targets, with a particular focus on decarbonisation, energy efficiency, interoperability, and security of supply.

This grant supports Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) in the energy sector, aiming to contribute to the development and implementation of trans-European networks. The objective is to further the integration of an efficient internal energy market, interoperability of networks across borders and sectors, decarbonisation of the economy, energy efficiency, and secure supply. The grant targets energy infrastructure projects aligned with the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, 2030 climate and energy targets, and the EU's long-term decarbonisation objectives.

This grant aims to reinforce an enabling environment for civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders across the EU by supporting actions that strengthen the monitoring of civic space and the protection and resilience of CSOs. Projects can focus on establishing or improving monitoring systems for CSO environments, addressing emerging issues like digital threats, enhancing data collection and reporting, and improving coordination and support mechanisms at national and cross-border levels. Further emphasis is on providing direct support to CSOs and defenders at risk – such as legal assistance, psychosocial support, and emergency funding – as well as building strategic litigation capacity to advance enforcement of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Transnational and national-level partnerships, including networks of National Human Rights Institutions, equality bodies, and Ombuds institutions, are encouraged.

This grant aims to strengthen the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights through awareness raising and capacity building initiatives. Funded projects are intended to increase the knowledge of fundamental rights among relevant actors, focusing on civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and may partner with national, regional, or local authorities. Projects should address needs related to awareness and capacity building regarding the Charter, with particular attention to the Charter’s general content, individual rights, scope of application, and available remedies in case of rights breaches. The Charter is applicable to Member States only when they are implementing EU law.

The Call Town Twinning 2026 grant promotes intercultural dialogue by bringing people of different nationalities and languages together through town twinning, allowing citizens to participate in joint activities. It supports projects aimed at fostering active citizenship and democratic participation at the local level, promoting inclusion, equality and respect for diversity, and raising awareness of EU values, rights, and democratic standards. The grant also supports initiatives addressing social resilience, local well-being, prevention of violence (including domestic violence and violence against children), encouraging cultural participation and heritage, and promoting accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities. Expected outcomes include strengthened mutual understanding and friendship among citizens at the local level, increased sense of belonging to the EU, long-lasting bonds between municipalities and citizens, and improved inclusion of marginalized communities.

The grant aims to support the design and development of a comprehensive Front-End Module (FEM) for 6G and advanced 5G networks. The project covers the FR3 frequency range (7-15 GHz, potentially up to 24 GHz) and targets key microelectronic and telecom industry challenges: enabling greater uplink capacity, efficient spectrum sharing, dense antenna integration, massive MIMO, energy efficiency, and the integration of heterogeneous microelectronics technologies. Expected outcomes include order-of-magnitude increases in RF processing, reuse of 5G sites, support for Sub Band Full Duplex and Integrated Sensing and Communications, and compliance with ITU 2030 requirements. The action also involves close collaboration between European industry leaders and academic partners, with strong emphasis on European sovereignty, downstream industrialization (including links to Chips JU pilot lines), AI/ML integration for network management, and security in design and implementation.

This grant aims to strengthen the European HPC and AI ecosystems by establishing a coordinated network of AI Factories (AIFs) and Antennas (AIF+As) to support the adoption and use of HPC for trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) development by startups, SMEs, and the broader private and public sectors, tailored to local and national needs. The initiative supports synergies, knowledge transfer, streamlined user experience, best practices, effective coordination, data access, and regulatory compliance, as well as increasing visibility, outreach to industry, and talent attraction for HPC/AI in Europe.

This grant aims to develop breakthrough processes for creating bio-based textile fibres using sustainably sourced biomass feedstock, including textile waste. The focus is on increasing the availability, scalability, and technical performance of novel, man-made, or modified natural fibres, while ensuring enhanced circularity and minimising microplastic release compared to current benchmarks. Applicants are expected to design these fibres for compatibility with market requirements and existing manufacturing processes, consider their end-of-life impact, and address environmental concerns associated with fossil-based and cotton fibres. Projects indirectly contribute to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, the Clean Industrial Deal, the Ecodesign Sustainable Products Regulation, and the Horizon Europe Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030'.

This grant aims to support industrial-scale biorefineries and related value chains to produce Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based solutions for the home and/or personal care sector, including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and cosmetics. The goal is to create sustainable alternatives to conventional chemicals and ingredients, ensuring improved sustainability and regulatory compliance. The program seeks to increase availability and market uptake of bio-based products, enhance consumer acceptance, reduce fossil feedstock dependency, and contribute to EU strategic autonomy and environmental goals.