Darragh O'Neill
National Contact Point (NCP) for Cluster 6 - Environment
Environmental Protection Agency
Horizon Europe - Cluster 6, Environment
There are a busy few months ahead for environmental researchers with funding opportunities under the upcoming Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Calls, the recently opened LIFE Programme Calls, as well as Partnership Calls later in the year.
Not sure yet whether you’ll apply? Get some inspiration from Irish success stories like the GoGreen Next project, which is addressing biodiversity and climate challenges through novel nature-based approaches and is being led by Maynooth University.
Horizon Europe Cluster 6
Horizon Europe Cluster 6 addresses the new Commission priorities with a focus on Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature; A new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness; Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model; and Protecting our democracy, upholding our values.
The one-year work programme for 2025 was pre-published at the end of April, with calls to open in mid-May and submission deadlines in September. There will be approximately 80 call topics with funding of nearly €1B available across all destinations:
· Biodiversity and ecosystem services
· Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption
· Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
· Clean environment and zero pollution
· Land, ocean and water for climate action
· Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities
· Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal.
Don’t miss the Info Days and Brokerage Events taking place in May. You'll find more information, including how to register further below.
Upcoming Calls:
LIFE Programme
The LIFE Calls for proposals 2025 were published on 24 April. Calls cover conserving nature, protecting the environment, taking climate action and transitioning Europe to clean energy, with a total of €600M available. Topics cover areas such as Circular Economy and Zero Pollution, Environmental Governance, nature and biodiversity, and climate, with submission deadlines in September.
The Calls will be presented at the EU LIFE info days, planned from 13 to 15 May 2025.
Horizon Europe Partnerships
Later this year, there will be further funding opportunities through the Joint Transnational Calls under Horizon Europe partnerships.
The fifth Biodiversa+ annual joint call is expected to launch in September and will be on the topic of Restoration of ecosystem functioning, integrity, and connectivity.
The fourth Water4All Joint Transnational Call will launch in September 2025 with the theme Water and Health, with a focus on areas including Innovative water tools and technologies for water quality monitoring and water treatment, remediation and disinfection, as well as Behaviour and effects of contaminants of emerging concern, plastics, endocrine disruptors.
Note that the eligibility for applicants in Ireland to apply will be confirmed when the calls launch.
More information on Cluster 6
There is lots more information available on the Cluster 6 homepage, including tips on applications, open science, communications, how to reach and inform policymakers, as well as good examples of how Horizon Europe projects are informing EU environmental policy.
Upcoming Events:
Join the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Information Days to learn more about the topics of the forthcoming Work Programme 2025.
The online event will cover:
· Insights into the policy context
· A ‘key-to-success' session focused on guidance and tips for quality proposals
· Pitches for each of the topics from the Work Programme 2025
· A session on COFUND partnerships’ topics
The CARE4BIO project, will organise two additional events in Warsaw (Poland) for potential applicants.
27 May 2025: Brokerage event (on-site) - This event will offer networking and matchmaking opportunities for prospective applicants - Registration.
28 May 2025: On-site interactive training for applicants. Registration (Limited number of participants).
EULife25 Info Days – 13th to 15th May
The EULife25 Info Days will take place online from Tuesday 13 May to Thursday 15 May 2025.
These sessions will highlight the priority topics for 2025, provide insights into the four LIFE sub-programmes and give advice on how to prepare a good proposal.
The EU Green Week will take place on 3-5 June 2025 in Brussels and is all about the circular economy. The event will feature policy discussions, stakeholder events as well as partner events at local, regional and community levels.
