The BlueAction BANOS open calls are EU funding instruments developed to support concrete action and strategic planning that contribute directly to the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”.
They target actors across the Baltic and North Sea region, including local and regional authorities, research and innovation organisations, NGOs, SMEs, and cross-sector consortia. The calls prioritise collaboration, implementation readiness, and alignment with EU environmental, climate, and sustainable blue economy objectives.
Two EU open calls are currently available, addressing different but complementary stages of mission delivery.
Community-Led Actions Open Call
The Community-Led Actions Open Call supports collaborative projects that implement tangible solutions on the ground.
Funded actions focus on challenges such as marine and freshwater pollution, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economy practices. The call is intended for initiatives that are ready to move from concept to implementation and can demonstrate a clear contribution to Mission objectives.
Funding is available for multi-partner consortia established in Baltic and North Sea countries, with implementation periods of up to 24 months. The scale of support enables projects to test, adapt, and scale solutions while generating transferable lessons for other regions.
Transition Agendas Open Call
The Transition Agendas Open Call supports the development of strategic, action-oriented agendas that guide longer-term sustainability transitions.
These agendas help regions, sectors, or thematic communities align stakeholders, investments, and policies around shared objectives related to ecosystem restoration, decarbonisation, and the sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources.
Funding supports structured collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of roadmaps that can inform future EU funding applications, policy processes, and regional investment strategies.
Structured Support Beyond Funding
Both EU open calls follow a staged application process, starting with a project idea phase and including consultation and guidance before full proposal submission. This approach improves proposal quality and alignment with Mission objectives, while lowering barriers for applicants unfamiliar with EU funding procedures.
BlueAction BANOS funding is embedded within a broader mission support framework. In addition to financial support, beneficiaries gain access to knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, and connections to other Mission-related initiatives across the Baltic and North Sea basin.
Why These EU Funding Opportunities Matter
EU Missions depend on coordinated action across governance levels and sectors. Well-designed funding open calls are essential for bridging the gap between EU policy ambition and implementation at regional and local level.
Through its leadership of BlueMissionBANOS and BlueAction BANOS, the SUBMARINER Network contributes to this process by ensuring that EU funding opportunities are mission-driven, regionally relevant, and focused on measurable impact.
For organisations seeking EU open calls related to marine and freshwater restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable blue economy development in the Baltic and North Sea region, these funding opportunities provide concrete entry points into Mission implementation.
More information: https://www.blueactionbanos.eu/
