The call is relevant for cities and regions that are looking to implement and demonstrate circular systemic solutions for the deployment and upscaling of the circular economy in cities and regions. The main objective of this call is to stimulate social innovation through new circular innovative technologies, novel governance and business models in order to contribute to climate mitigation and help reduce pressures on natural resources, whilst increasing Europe’s competitiveness.

This CCRI-related topic does not target specific technologies or industrial sectors, but supports the implementation of a systemic approach. This means that the implemented circular systemic solutions should involve relevant circular economy stakeholders in the targeted cities/regions, and address several (at least two) sectors and value chains – as set out in the 2020 circular economy action plan. Selected proposals will support the implementation of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).

Any type of organisation can apply for Horizon Europe funding as long as they have the operational and financial capacity to carry out the tasks that they propose. For most calls for proposals, you must apply as a team of at least 3 partner organisations from 3 different EU or associated countries. At least one of the 3 partners must be from an EU country. In addition to these 3 partners, organisations from other countries might be able to join your consortium.

More information in the Horizon Europe programme guide. Further details or exceptions are listed on the pages of the call topics in the Funding & tenders portal.

Proposals should select their circular systemic solutions and related economic sectors (e.g. construction and buildings, transport and mobility, bioeconomy, land use and spatial planning) based on a detailed analysis of the cities’ and regions’ socio-economic and environmental needs, as well as their local circular potentials. Proposals should monitor and evaluate the implementation and the impacts of their circular systemic solutions through the project lifespan.

This should include the identification, analysis, and when feasible, quantification of the economic, social and environmental benefits and other results. By doing so, proposals could take into consideration various social variables (e.g. gender, age, socio-economic status). Proposals should also facilitate knowledge and experience transfer for further outreach and replication across EU Member States and Associated Countries. They should therefore clearly identify the lessons learned from the demonstration projects, specifying the enabling framework, the main (regulatory and/or market) barriers and the enablers, the business case as well as any other relevant factors for successful replication and upscaling in other cities and/or regions. In that respect, proposals should include a clear action plan to communicate experiences and results to ‘replicators’.

This is essential for ensuring that circular systemic solutions demonstrated in specific areas are replicated in others, and where feasible, at larger scale. Proposals should define financing strategies for their circular systemic solutions as part of their exploitation plan. Proposals should also foresee financing follow-up, for instance by linking with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative financial advisory services. Proposals should clearly specify how they will ensure synergies and complementarities with other relevant circular economy projects and initiatives, including those recognised as CCRI Projects and CCRI Associated Partners. In that sense, proposals should include a dedicated task, appropriate resources and a plan on how they will collaborate with the CCRI office, projects and partners.

The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 18.00 million. The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of around EUR 9.00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.

1. EC publishes calls for proposals on the funding and tenders portal
2. The call is open for an usual period of ca. 5 months where applicants can submit they proposal
3. Proposals can be single or two-stage application processes. A single stage application process requires the filling in of a structured proposal of max. 45 pages including objectives and innovation approach (excellence), tangible impacts that can be achieved through the project (impact) and the project planning and tasks (quality). If a two stage, the aforementioned would be the second stage application while the first is a simplified proposal of max 10 pages including only excellence and impact sections. These documents are to be uploaded to the portal in pdf format alongside filling in the respective parts of the portal with administrative information on the beneficiares, affiliated entities or others. All participants in a project need to possess a Partipant Identification Code (i.e. PIC number, a 9-digit number registered on ECAS). For more information, please see the work programme and the call documents.
4. Proposal submitted within the deadline will be evaluated by experts against evaluation criteria.
5. Winning proposals will be invited for signing a grant agreement with the EC.

Opening: 06 May 2025
 

Deadline: 17 Sep 2025