12 EU Funding Opportunities for Environmental Projects to Explore in 2024

Are you passionate about environmental sustainability and looking to secure funding for your project? The European Union offers numerous funding opportunities aimed at fostering innovative solutions to environmental challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the latest EU funding calls for environmental projects and how you can take advantage of these opportunities to make a real impact.

Why EU Funding is Essential for Environmental Projects

Securing funding is often one of the biggest hurdles in launching and sustaining environmental projects. EU funding not only provides the financial resources needed but also connects you with a network of like-minded organizations and individuals. These collaborations can amplify the impact of your work, leading to more significant advancements in sustainability and environmental protection.

Current EU Funding Calls for Environmental Projects

LIFE Programme - Circular Economy, Resources from Waste, Air, Water, Soil, Noise, Chemicals, Bauhaus

Deadline: 19/09/2024

Description: The LIFE Programme aims to facilitate the transition toward a sustainable, circular, toxic-free, energy-efficient/climate-resilient economy and to protect, restore, and improve environmental quality. This call targets projects focused on Circular Economy and Waste, Air, Water, Soil, Noise, Chemicals, and the New European Bauhaus. Projects must align with the specific priorities and topics outlined in the call document to ensure compliance and maximum impact.

Read more on EUcalls

Horizon Europe - Spotlight on Plant Priority Pest: Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Deadline: 24/09/2024

Description: This Horizon Europe call supports the farm-to-fork strategy, aiming to reduce chemical pesticide use and enhance sustainable food systems. It addresses the fall armyworm, a significant pest impacting crops like maize and rice. The call seeks proposals that improve knowledge, prevention, monitoring, and control methods for this pest, supporting EU plant health policies and promoting international cooperation.

Read more on EUcalls

Horizon Europe - European Blue Parks – Offshore Marine Protected Areas

Deadline: 18/09/2024

Description: This call focuses on establishing new offshore marine protected areas (MPAs) and enhancing existing ones. It aims to map marine habitats, assess pressures, and establish conservation measures to protect marine biodiversity. Projects should support policy development, contribute to the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and demonstrate scalable business models for ecosystem service provision.

Read more on EUcalls

Horizon Europe - Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Fisheries on Marine Species and Habitats

Deadline: 18/09/2024

Description: This call aims to mitigate the environmental impacts of fisheries, focusing on reducing bycatch and protecting sensitive species and habitats. Proposals should demonstrate innovative, sustainable fishing practices and tools, improve gear selectivity, and enhance knowledge of incidental catches. Projects must support EU policies like the Common Fisheries Policy and the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

Read more on EUcalls

Horizon Europe - Integrated Peri-Urban Areas in the Transition Towards Climate Neutrality

Deadline: 16/01/2025

Description: This call seeks to develop scalable solutions for climate neutrality in peri-urban areas, focusing on Mobility, Energy, Industry, and Governance. Projects should demonstrate sustainable transport modes, decarbonized energy grids, green industrial practices, and effective governance structures. The goal is to reduce GHG emissions, improve liveability, and foster social cohesion in peri-urban areas.

Read more on EUcalls

Horizon Europe - Zero-Pollution Cities

Deadline: 16/01/2025

Description: This Horizon Europe call targets projects that develop and implement methods to precisely assess and mitigate urban pollution, including air, water, soil, and noise pollution. The goal is to improve health impact assessments, support local zero pollution policies, and enhance public awareness. Proposals should involve multiple cities and include innovative measures for reducing pollution and improving public health in urban areas.

Read more on EUcalls

Horizon Europe - Rethinking Urban Spaces Towards Climate Neutrality

Deadline: 16/01/2025

Description: This call aims to develop smart urban public space designs and integrated energy and mobility systems to achieve climate neutrality. Projects should co-design solutions with local authorities and stakeholders, focusing on improving urban connectivity, reducing pollution, and enhancing public health. Proposals must include pilot demonstrations in at least three cities and involve a co-design process with relevant stakeholders.

Read more on EUcalls

RFCS - RFCS-2024 Coal Research Projects

Deadline: 24/09/2024

Description: The Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) supports the transition towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050. This call focuses on developing technologies for carbon capture, geothermal energy use, and environmental restoration of former coal sites. It also aims to improve health and safety in coal mines and support reskilling programs for workers affected by the coal phase-out.

Read more on EUcalls

UNDP - Challenge Call for Innovative Projects on Wetland Conservation

Deadline: 31/07/2024

Description: Supported by Sweden and the EU, this call seeks innovative solutions for the protection and revitalization of wetlands in and around protected areas in Serbia. The goal is to preserve biodiversity and water resources through physical interventions and hydrological infrastructure improvements. Selected projects will receive expert support and co-financing of up to 70% of the total project value.

Read more on EUcalls

Metrology Partnership - Green Deal Call 2024

Deadline: 30/09/2024

Description: The European Partnership on Metrology aims to develop fit-for-purpose measurement solutions to support European innovation and regulatory compliance. This call covers various topics, including carbon capture, renewable energy, greenhouse gas measurement, and environmental thermodynamics. Proposals should focus on providing reliable metrological data and methods to address industrial and societal challenges.

Read more on EUcalls

Saving Our Seas – Reducing Danger of Munitions Dumped in European Seas

Deadline: 21/11/2024

Description: This call aims to develop technologies and methods for the safe removal, disposal, and neutralization of munitions dumped in European seas. The focus is on improving existing technologies and conducting tests in the Baltic Sea. The call also seeks to transfer these solutions to other European sea basins, particularly the Black Sea and Azov Sea.

Read more on EUcalls

NERC - Modelling Environmental Responses to Solar Radiation Management

Deadline: 08/10/2024

Description: Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), this call supports climate modelling projects to understand the impacts of solar radiation management (SRM) techniques. The research will focus on modelling the Earth's response to SRM, including stratospheric aerosol intervention, marine cloud brightening, and other novel SRM approaches. Projects should deliver independent, cutting-edge environmental science through modelling and laboratory work.

Read more on EUcalls

How to Increase Your Chances of Securing EU Funding

  1. Understand the Requirements: Each funding call has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Carefully review these details to ensure your project aligns with the funder’s priorities.
  2. Collaborate: Partner with other organizations or stakeholders who can bring additional expertise and resources to your project.
  3. Prepare Thoroughly: Develop a comprehensive project proposal that clearly outlines your objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  4. Seek Expert Guidance: Utilize platforms like EUcalls to get expert advice and increase your chances of success.

Don't miss out on the chance to fund your environmental project through the EU’s extensive funding programs. Subscribe to EUcalls today to unlock exclusive access to the latest funding calls and expert guidance. Already have a project in mind? Explore our services to see how we can support your journey from concept to successful funding.

By staying informed and prepared, you can transform your environmental vision into reality with the help of EU funding. Join EUcalls and make a lasting impact today!