The European Commission has launched five new Horizon Europe topics for 2026 under the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, with an indicative budget of over €115 million to accelerate large‑scale deployment and upscaling of solutions that protect and regenerate marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Opening on 4 February 2026 and closing on 23 September 2026, these calls invite proposals that strengthen marine habitat restoration, pollution reduction, sustainable fisheries management, ocean technology development, and the expansion of the EU Digital Twin Ocean.
2026 Call Topics
1. HORIZON‑MISS‑2026‑03‑OCEAN‑01 - Large‑scale demonstration for mapping marine habitats
Supports cost‑effective mapping of coastal and marine habitats—including seagrass meadows, macroalgal forests, and shellfish beds—to enable implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation.
2. HORIZON‑MISS‑2026‑03‑OCEAN‑02 - Nature‑positive solutions to address aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss (source to sea)
Funds ecosystem‑based and cross‑sector solutions tackling pollution and biodiversity decline across connected freshwater and marine systems.
3. HORIZON‑MISS‑2026‑03‑OCEAN‑03 - “By fishers, for fishers”: Co‑management of marine and freshwater resources
Promotes adaptive co‑management approaches to balance fisheries activities with long‑term ecosystem sustainability and community livelihoods.
4. HORIZON‑MISS‑2026‑03‑OCEAN‑04 - European network of ocean technology testing sites
Establishes a coordinated EU‑wide network of testing areas to accelerate validation and scaling of innovative marine technologies.
5. HORIZON‑MISS‑2026‑03‑OCEAN‑05 - Regional (sea‑basin) components of the EU Digital Twin Ocean
Develops advanced modelling, real‑time monitoring, and digital decision‑support capacities across European sea basins.
The 2026 topics contribute to the Mission’s ambition to restore the health of Europe’s ocean, seas, and inland waters by 2030, supporting marine biodiversity, pollution reduction, and a carbon‑neutral, circular blue economy. They strengthen regional cooperation and offer opportunities for stakeholders across sectors - research, industry, public authorities, NGOs, and coastal communities - to cocreate impactful solutions.