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Deploying innovative wastewater management, treatment and valorisation solutions in European cities and…

Full title in the source: Deploying innovative wastewater management, treatment and valorisation solutions in European cities and regions in the context of climate change

Opens 9 Feb 2027

The EU's Horizon Europe programme expects to make 3 awards of €9.5 million each, from a total budget of €28.5 million. Applications close on 22 Sep 2027 (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time). Organisations in EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries such as Türkiye can usually take part; the topic conditions control.

Expected outcome

Projects are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:

• Cities and regions are equipped with innovative practices for urban wastewater management, adapted to climate change, taking into account: energy efficiency, energy and secondary raw material recovery and water reuse, including opportunities for renewable energy generation and secondary resource production, implemented at city and regional level.

• Treatment infrastructures and management solutions are deployed and upscaled for water, storm water and wastewater in cities and regions, with positive effects on climate adaptation, biodiversity, air and water pollution reduction, resource valorisation and energy efficiency.

• Knowledge is disseminated about innovative practices, governance and business models for integrated (waste)water management, in the context of climate change among relevant stakeholder groups to facilitate effective replication and upscaling.

Scope

This topic supports the implementation of the EU Mission Climate-Neutral Smart Cities , EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change as well as the EU Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). It aims to support the water sector in European cities and regions in accelerating their climate neutral, climate resilient and circular transition.

The recast EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive [1] introduces new requirements on energy neutrality at national level for urban wastewater treatment plants treating population equivalents of over 10,000 (UWWTPs). It also requires management plans for stormwater overflows, and consideration of circular economy measures to stimulate the reuse of nitrogen, phosphorus and water.

Wastewater infrastructure investment is a significant expense and generally addresses only the collection and treatment aspects. To make the most of such investments, adopting a holistic and integrated approach is vital. By combining insights from land use, wastewater characteristics, and sewer system knowledge, we can better manage rain run-off during extreme weather, optimize the recovery of resources such as secondary raw materials, water, and energy, and prevent pollution incidents related to stormwater overflows. Furthermore, incorporating a regional approach might allow smaller wastewater utilities to share resources more effectively.

Who can apply

Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries, at least one in a Member State (Horizon Europe standard rule).

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Topics

Climate change adaptation Climate change mitigation Energy Efficiency Environment Environmental sciences Renewable energy sources Urban water management Wastewater management Water resources circularity energy efficiency renewable energy generation secondary raw material recovery secondary resource production urban wastewater management wastewater water reuse

Timing

Single-stage call. Next deadline 2027-09-22. The portal states the exact cut-off time (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time).

How to apply

1. Read the full topic on the Funding & Tenders Portal: expected outcome, scope, type of action and the topic conditions, including any country restrictions.
2. Register each participating organisation in the Funding & Tenders Portal to get a PIC.
3. Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries (Horizon Europe standard rule; Türkiye is associated). Confirm in the topic conditions.
4. Prepare Part A (administrative forms and budget, completed in the portal) and Part B (the technical description on the official template for this type of action).
5. Submit in the portal before the cut-off time on the deadline day. Late submissions are not accepted.

From the call text

Who can apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Company stage

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Single applicant or consortium

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where applicants must be based

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where to apply

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Read the EU application guide

Where these facts come from

Official sources

Official call page

Facts on this page come from the funder’s official data, taken on 14 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.

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