Green Deal Funding Alert – January 2026

This is the latest edition of the Green Deal Funding Alert, a monthly newsletter that keeps you informed about funding opportunities and initiatives that support sustainable development and the transition to climate neutrality.

This month’s edition presents the call for applications for the 2028 European Green Capital and European Green Leaf awards, along with opportunities to participate in advisory programmes on the circular transition and receive funding for projects under the Horizon programme.

1. 2028 European Green Capital and European Green Leaf awards: Call for applications

Are you a European city or town implementing substantial measures to address the climate and biodiversity crises?

The European Commission is seeking candidates for the 2028 European Green Capital (EGC) and European Green Leaf (EGL) Awards, recognising local authorities that pioneer innovative environmental solutions. Each year, one city with more than 100 000 inhabitants is awarded the EGC title, while the EGL award is given to up to two smaller towns with population of at least 20 000 people.

In addition to the financial prize – EUR 600 000 for the EGC winner and EUR 200 000 each for up to two EGL winners – the successful cities will benefit from expert feedback and access to an exclusive network of previous finalists, along with increased visibility that can boost investment and tourism. The assessment process will be conducted by a panel of experts based on indicators including air quality, water, biodiversity, waste and circular economy, noise, climate mitigation and adaptation.

Deadline: 1 April 2026

Check out the details about the call and the link to apply!

2. The Circular City Centre – C3: Launch of call for applications to participate in the advisory programmes

Would you like to advance the circular transition in your city, and are you in need of expert support?

The Circular City Centre - C3, a resource centre led by the European Investment Bank and co-funded by the European Commission, offers a Circular City Advisory (CCA) programme and a Circular Project Advisory (CPA) programme to support cities at various stages of their circular transition:

• From interest and ambition to strategy (CCA 1 programme)
• From strategy to project pipeline (CCA 2 programme)
• From project pipeline to project implementation and preparation for financing (CCA 3 or CPA programmes)

Selected participants are provided with advisory services free of charge, with the external support of Circle Economy, Arup, ICLEI and ECORYS. For more information you are invited to join an online Q&A session on 28 January from 11:00 to 12:00 CET and on 25 February from 11:00 to 12:00 CET.

Deadline: 6 March 2026

Learn more about the calls and apply through the link!

3. Fighting disinformation and effectively communicating on climate change: Call for Horizon project proposals

Are you interested in developing a project that will help strengthen public understanding of the science behind climate action?

The European Commission is providing funding for projects under Horizon Europe: Cluster 5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility, with the focus on combating climate-related misinformation, disinformation, and misinterpretation. The aim of the projects is to enhance public trust in science and democracy and make climate information more accessible, while remaining evidence-based. Up to three projects will be granted between EUR 4 million and EUR 5 million to develop tools and a relevant set of techniques for public authorities. Participants are strongly encouraged to engage with the Horizon Europe EU Missions on Adaptation to climate change and Climate-neutral and smart cities throughout the research process.

Deadline: 15 April 2026 (17:00 CET)

Explore the call for proposals and find the application form!

4. Webinars for projects under the Horizon Europe Mission Restore our ocean and waters

Are you planning to apply for funding for projects that support community-led actions to restore and protect marine and freshwater ecosystems?

A variety of information sessions will be held in English and local languages next month to facilitate the applications process. Please see the details and links below in order to register for the events:

• BlueActionBANOS – Baltic and North Sea region: National webinars in local languages are being held from the end of January onwards and a general information webinar for all will be held on 5 February at 14:00 CET. Find more information about the sessions.
• BlueActionAA – Atlantic and Arctic region: A local webinar for information on the calls in Norwegian will take place on 9 February at 12:00 CET. Keep an eye on the events page for all of the details and future opportunities.
• SoS2LearnDBS – Danube-Black Sea region: A brokerage event is planned for 9 February and registration will start soon. The second info session will be held on 24 February at 10:30 CET. Learn more about the call and register for the info session.
• TASC-RestoreMed – Mediterranean region: An interactive online townhall session is being held on 11 February at 12:00 CET. Check out the details and the registration. 

5.Call for winter and energy equipment for Ukrainian municipalities

Ukrainian cities and regions are facing a severe emergency as renewed Russian attacks continue to damage critical civilian energy infrastructure amid freezing winter conditions. In a joint appeal, the President of the European Committee of the Regions and the chair of its Working Group on Ukraine are relaying an urgent request from the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) for energy generators, cogeneration plants, energy storage systems and other energy equipment to help keep essential services up and running for the citizens of Ukraine.
Deadline: As soon as possible

Find all the details of the call for support on the CoR’s news page!

Any questions? 

Please contact our Green Deal team at greendeal@cor.europa.eu. They will be happy to help.

Catch up with the last edition of the Funding Alert.

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