The Horizon Europe Programme has launched five topics for 2026 under the Mission Restore our Oceans and Waters, with an indicative budget of over EUR 115 million to support projects across these topics.
Focusing on the Mission’s deployment and upscaling phase, the topics bring together a wide range of priorities, from large-scale marine habitat mapping and nature-based-positive solutions to fishers’ co-management approaches, ocean technology testing sites, and digital twin ocean developments. Horizon Europe Work programme emphasises community engagement, regional cooperation, and scalable solutions that can be replicated across the EU.
2026 topics opening on 4 February 2026, with a deadline of 23 September 2026 at 17:00 CEST
HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-01:Large-scale demonstration for mapping the distribution and condition of marine habitats to implement the Nature Restoration Regulation. Supporting Member States with cost-effective mapping solutions for coastal and marine habitats required by the Nature Restoration Regulation, including seagrass beds, macroalgal forests, and shellfish beds.
HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-02: Addressing aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss through nature positive solutions from source to sea. Demonstrating nature-positive solutions to address aquatic pollution and biodiversity loss from source to sea through ecosystem-based approaches and cross-sector collaboration.
HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-03:By fishers, for fishers: co-management of marine and freshwater ecosystems and resources. Enabling adaptive co-management approaches to reconcile fisheries with the environmental sustainability, ensuring the long-term viability of both marine and/or freshwater ecosystems and local livelihoods.
HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-04:Towards a European network of ocean technology testing sites. Establishing a coordinated European network of ocean technology testing sites to accelerate the innovation cycles of marine technologies and support companies in the transition from laboratory to market-ready solutions.
HORIZON-MISS-2026-03-OCEAN-05:Regional (sea-basins) components of the EU Digital Twin Ocean. Developing regional sea-basin components of the EU Digital Twin Ocean to provide digital modelling, real-time monitoring, and decision-making tools for ocean management.
To support partnerships and networking, a Horizon Europe Missions Brokerage Event will follow on 28–29 January 2026, offering space to meet potential partners and exchange project ideas. Registration is now open.
Stay tuned for more information on the five topics under the 2027 Work Programme.