Interconnect Earth Observation research for addressing environmental policies

The Horizon Europe call identified as HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-07 seeks to interconnect Earth Observation (EO) research with environmental policies to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the economy. This Coordination and Support Action (CSA) has a budget of €5,400,000 and is expected to fund one grant. The application process is single-stage, with submissions opening on January 14, 2026, and closing on April 15, 2026.

Eligible applicants include research organizations, public institutions, universities, and environmental policy bodies that can form consortia, as individual submissions are not allowed. The geographic scope encompasses EU member states and associated countries, with some provisions for participation from non-EU countries.

The project aims to develop a structured EuroGEO community that connects EO research with EU policymaking, particularly focusing on biodiversity and climate action. Successful proposals will contribute to the establishment of an Earth Observation Science Service within the European Commission's Knowledge Centre on Earth Observation (KCEO), integrating EO science into policy-making processes.

Funded activities may include the generation of innovative EO solutions based on data from Copernicus Sentinel satellites, development and testing of approaches for Earth intelligence, and enhanced governance support. Financial support to third parties can be provided up to 30% of the grant budget, encouraging collaboration and innovation across various stakeholders.

The call's evaluative aspect is highly competitive, likely resulting in a success rate below 1%, given the single grant available against potentially 100-150 applications. Co-funding is not explicitly required but leveraging existing resources is encouraged.

Overall, this opportunity is significant in addressing environmental governance gaps by fostering a collaborative approach to improve the application of EO data in European environmental policies, thereby supporting the European Green Deal and aiming for enhanced monitoring and management of environmental challenges.

This is a Horizon Europe call, specifically HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-07, aiming to interconnect Earth Observation (EO) research to address environmental policies. It falls under the HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Model Grant Agreement. The call is forthcoming with a single-stage deadline model. The planned opening date is 14 January 2026, and the deadline is 15 April 2026, 17:00:00 Brussels time. The budget for this specific topic is 5,400,000 EUR, and it is expected to fund around 1 grant.

The expected outcome of successful proposals is to contribute to the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the economy through accessible and interoperable environmental observations and improved Earth Intelligence. Project results should lead to: a single-entry point linking European research and policymaking within the European Commission's Knowledge Centre on Earth Observation (KCEO) as a ‘scientific pillar’ for collecting and organizing knowledge relevant to environmental policies and conventions, especially those related to biodiversity, including knowledge from EU-funded R&I projects, infrastructures, and platforms; a strengthened and structured EuroGEO EO Community, building on the competences of its Action Groups and Member States’ uptake actions, offering services reflecting Europe’s EO vision for Earth Intelligence in the post-2025 global GEO; and a timely contribution to the update, under the guidance of the KCEO, of a policy-driven Earth observation R&I Roadmap for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda).

The scope of the call involves interconnecting Earth Observation (EO) research across Europe to support national, European, and international policies and conventions. It aims to contribute to Europe’s competitiveness and the European Green Deal by supporting the development and implementation of EU policies, including environmental policies related to biodiversity, through knowledge generation, governance guidance, and simplification. It also supports the evolution of the long-term strategic research agenda for earth observation by engaging with EO stakeholders. The call provides an Earth Observation Science Service to systematically insert EO science into EU climate and environmental policymaking, valorizing last mile policy applications based on Copernicus services.

Proposals should build a consolidated and structured EuroGEO community able to provide competitive services, such as setting up an R&I observatory, linking research investments to policy needs for EO, and supporting the co-design of tools and methods for creating earth intelligence from EO data and services. They should engage the community through annual fora to assess research and innovation priorities for EO uptake in EU climate and environmental policies, foresee cooperation with the KCEO, address cross-cutting policy issues like using EO for policy obligation, certification, official statistics, reporting simplification, and compliance, and demonstrate how Europe can lead in developing innovative products and services addressing policy needs.

Financial support to third parties (FSTP) may be provided, up to 30% of the EU funding, for activities such as developing, testing, or validating EO intelligence creation approaches, collecting and preparing data sets, or providing other contributions to achieve project objectives, such as prototype last mile policy applications based on Copernicus services. Consortia need to define the selection process for organizations receiving FSTP. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may join the consortium to ensure close collaboration with the KCEO.

General conditions include admissibility conditions, eligible countries (described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide), and other eligible conditions such as the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for projects using satellite-based earth observation data. The JRC may participate as a member of the consortium with zero funding or as an associated partner, but will not participate in proposal preparation and submission. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, submission and evaluation processes, and the indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement are described in Annexes D and F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

Legal and financial aspects include the possibility for beneficiaries to provide financial support to third parties, with a maximum amount of EUR 60,000 per third party (potentially higher if justified). Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes provides further details. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and evaluation forms are available in the Submission System, including the standard application form (HE CSA) and evaluation form (HE CSA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. Model Grant Agreements (MGA) include HE MGA, HE Unit MGA, Lump Sum MGA, and Operating Grants MGA. Call-specific instructions, a detailed budget table (HE LS), information on financial support to third parties (HE), and guidance on lump sums are also available.

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 (General Introduction, Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, and General Annexes), EIC Work Programme 2026, ERC Work Programme 2026, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, the Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The budget overview lists ten topics under HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE, each with varying budgets for 2026 and 2027, and indicative numbers of grants. The opening date is 14 January 2026, and the deadline is 15 April 2026.

Partner search announcements are available for collaboration on this topic, and the submission system will open on the date stated on the topic header. General and topic-specific Q&As are available, and support is provided through the Online Manual, Horizon Europe Programme Guide, Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ, Research Enquiry Service, National Contact Points (NCPs), Enterprise Europe Network, IT Helpdesk, European IPR Helpdesk, CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk, ETSI Research Helpdesk, and Partner Search.

In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to foster collaboration and innovation in Earth Observation research to support European environmental policies and the Green Deal. It seeks to create a consolidated EuroGEO community, enhance the use of EO data and services, and provide financial support to third parties for developing and testing EO intelligence creation approaches. The call encourages the use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS, and the Joint Research Centre may participate in selected consortia. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and the submission deadline is 15 April 2026.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the connection between Earth Observation research and European environmental policy. It's about making sure that the latest scientific knowledge from projects like those using Copernicus satellite data is readily available and used to inform policy decisions. The EU wants to build a strong network of experts and resources, particularly through the EuroGEO community, to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges. The goal is to improve how we monitor and manage our environment using cutting-edge technology and data, ultimately supporting the European Green Deal and ensuring a sustainable future. If you're involved in Earth Observation research and want to see your work have a direct impact on European policy, this call is an opportunity to get involved and receive funding for your project.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated but can be inferred to include a wide range of entities involved in Earth Observation research and its application to policy. This likely includes research institutions, universities, governmental organizations, non-profits, and potentially SMEs and large enterprises with relevant expertise. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may join as a member the consortium selected for funding, to ensure a close collaboration with the KCEO.

Funding Type: The primary funding mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the HORIZON Europe Programme. Financial support to third parties (FSTP) can only be provided in the form of grants.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required, as the call specifies that consortia need to define the selection process of organizations for which financial support may be granted. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may join as member the consortium selected for funding.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU member states and associated countries, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-associated countries that have made funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Target Sector: The program targets the Earth Observation (EO) sector, with a focus on environmental policies, climate, and biodiversity. It also encompasses areas such as research and innovation, policy implementation, and the development of Earth Intelligence.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity explicitly mentions EU member states and associated countries, and refers to non-EU/non-Associated Countries that have specific provisions for funding.

Project Stage: The project stage appears to be focused on development, validation, and demonstration, with an emphasis on translating research into policy applications and creating innovative products and services.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific HORIZON action type.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-01 (HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions): Budget of 16,000,000 EUR (2027) and 22,000,000 EUR (2026), with contributions around 38,000,000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-02 (HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions): Budget of 10,800,000 EUR, with contributions of 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-03 (HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions): Budget of 9,000,000 EUR, with contributions around 3,000,000 EUR and an indicative number of 3 grants.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-04 (HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions): Budget of 4,500,000 EUR, with contributions around 4,500,000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-05 (HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions): Budget of 7,000,000 EUR, with contributions around 7,000,000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-06 (HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions): Budget of 6,000,000 EUR, with contributions around 6,000,000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-07 (HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions): Budget of 5,400,000 EUR, with contributions around 5,400,000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-08 (HORIZON Innovation Actions): Budget of 15,000,000 EUR, with contributions around 7,500,000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-09 (HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions): Budget of 7,000,000 EUR, with contributions around 3,500,000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.
HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-10 (HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions): Budget of 9,800,000 EUR, with contributions of 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant. They may also provide financial support to third parties, with a maximum of EUR 60,000 per third party (though this amount may be higher if justified).

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly stated, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight into the potential competitiveness.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement, but the HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions may imply a co-funding element.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call aims to interconnect Earth Observation (EO) research with European and international environmental policies. It seeks to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the economy through improved and accessible environmental observations and Earth Intelligence. The call encourages the development of a consolidated EuroGEO community, the establishment of an R&I observatory, and the co-design of tools and methods for creating earth intelligence. Projects should engage with relevant EO communities, cooperate with the Knowledge Centre on Earth Observation (KCEO), and address policy issues related to EO. The funding is provided as lump sum grants, and consortia are expected to define a selection process for third parties to whom they may provide financial support. The call is a single-stage submission process with a planned opening date of January 14, 2026, and a deadline of April 15, 2026. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate in the consortium. The call is structured around several specific topics, each with its own budget and expected number of grants, covering a range of actions from coordination and support to research and innovation.