The EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”, a large-scale, “Appollo-11 style” push to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters, has just launched a second wave of actions. Its aim is to achieve healthy marine and freshwater ecosystems through research and innovation, citizen engagement and blue investments.

Rooted in Horizon Europe, the Mission will use a budget of €117.9 million for the Work Programme 2022 with further, complementary actions and new research and innovation areas. One single call for proposals addresses the three relevant policy objectives:

• Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity
• Prevent and eliminate pollution of our oceans, seas and waters
• Sustainable, carbon-neutral and circular blue economy

The call also includes enabling activities to support the development of a Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO) and public mobilisation and engagement.

The Work Programme 2021-2022 puts special focus on area-based “lighthouses”, which are hubs for the development and deployment of technological, social, business and governance innovative solutions in four major European basins.

The call for proposals is now open (12 May 2022) and the deadline for submissions is 27 September 2022.

A dedicated session will take place on 17 May afternoon at the EU Missions Info Days. The event will provide prospective applicants with information on the new calls, topics, funding opportunities and timelines.

More information

Commission boosts Horizon Europe budget

Info Day on Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" on 17 May 2022 (14:00-17:00)

Funding and tenders portal