This is a Horizon Europe call supporting co‑management approaches where fishers, scientists and authorities jointly steward marine and freshwater ecosystems to improve sustainability, resilience and long‑term resource management.

Why it matters
The Mediterranean region faces acute biodiversity loss, warming seas and coastal degradation, and this call mobilises the large‑scale restoration, innovation and cross‑border cooperation needed to protect its ecosystems and sustain its blue‑economy future.

 Who should apply:
Applicants should be organisations capable of leading or supporting large‑scale, fisher‑centred co‑management of marine and freshwater ecosystems — including fishers themselves, research institutions, public authorities, NGOs, SMEs and other legal entities eligible under Horizon Europe. The call explicitly targets projects that empower fishers — including small‑scale and recreational fishers — and involve them from the start. Eligible applicants include public bodies, research institutions, universities, NGOs, private companies, and SMEs

More information: EU Funding and Tenders portal
Call Reference:HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-03
Call budget:€ 31,000,000.00 (Estimated contribution per project; between € 7,000,000.00 and € 7,750,000.00)
Deadline:23 September 2026

The European Union has announced a new Horizon Europe Innovation Action aimed at accelerating the green and digital transformation of small and medium‑sized maritime and inland ports across the continent. The call, titled HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑05‑D5‑11, supports large‑scale demonstrations that will help ports become cleaner, smarter, more resilient, and better integrated into Europe’s transport and energy systems.

As part of the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) Partnership, the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of ports as critical gateways for trade, energy, and mobility—while reducing environmental impacts and improving the quality of life for surrounding communities.

Driving Sustainability and Competitiveness

Funded projects are expected to deliver replicable strategies that enable ports to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air and water pollution, and adopt biodiversity‑friendly practices. The call also emphasises climate resilience, encouraging solutions that help ports adapt to sea‑level rise, extreme weather, and other climate‑related risks.

Digitalisation is another core pillar. Proposals must advance smart port systems, including improved traffic management, automated processes, emissions monitoring, and robust cybersecurity aligned with EU standards.

Energy Hubs of the Future

The EU is calling for integrated energy systems that support port operations—from renewable energy production and storage to on‑shore power supply and electrified terminal equipment. These systems will help ports play a central role in Europe’s clean‑energy transition.

Strengthening Skills and Innovation
The initiative also addresses long‑term workforce needs, promoting collaboration between academia, training providers, and industry to equip workers with the skills required for zero‑emission and digital port operations.

Projects must demonstrate solutions in at least six TEN‑T ports, including five maritime ports and one inland port, ensuring broad geographic relevance and scalability.

Funding and Timeline

• Total budget: €21 million
• Expected EU contribution per project: ~€10.5 million
• Call opening: 18 December 2025
• Deadline: 14 April 2026, 17:00 Brussels time

This call represents a significant step toward implementing the forthcoming EU Port Strategy, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to sustainable mobility, energy security, and industrial competitiveness.

MED-HUBS is an EU funded project designed to strengthen maritime innovation and smart specialisation across the Western Mediterranean. Funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), the project responds directly to WestMED priorities by reinforcing cooperation between innovation ecosystems

The core objectives of MED-HUBS are to reduce fragmentation in maritime innovation systems, accelerate the market uptake of blue-tech solutions, and align regional smart specialisation strategies with EU blue growth and sustainability goals. The project promotes cross-border collaboration, improves access to finance and piloting opportunities, and supports startups in moving from technology validation to commercial deployment, particularly in sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, green maritime transport and smart ports.

MED-HUBS is implemented by a transnational partnership rooted in WestMED countries, notably Spain, Italy and Malta. Through these partners, the project actively connects with the wider region, fostering dialogue and innovation pathways that benefit both EU and non-EU Mediterranean stakeholders.

As part of its implementation, MED-HUBS has launched an open call for startups under the MED-HUBS Acceleration Programme. The programme offers tailored mentoring, investor access, EU-wide pilots and international showcase opportunities, inviting eligible blue-tech startups to scale their impact.

The call is open to startups incorporated from 2019 onwards, TRL 4-8, from EMFAF-2025-PIA-FLAGSHIP eligible countries. Specifically, EU member states, non-EU countries part of the EU sea basin strategies, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)

Programme Duration

From April to June 2026: Online delivery

From July 2026 to August 2027: MVP pilots and post-program support

September 2027: Demo Day and pitching at the International MED-Hubs Conference

Apply by March 23, 2026 –  https://forms.gle/rhKkjRqHmMC6k5yH6
More information: MED-Hubs website