Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation framework programme, is the main funding instrument for the implementation of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (Mission Soil). The goal of the Mission is to create 100 living labs and lighthouses. The co-creation of solutions on the ground, together with an ambitious research and innovation programme, soil monitoring and citizen engagement will ensure the long-term health and functions of soils. The Mission is also contributing to mitigating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of soil degradation.
Since 2021, the European Commission has launched five dedicated Mission Soil calls for proposals, two joint calls for EU Missions Climate, Oceans & waters and Soil, and evaluated over 380 proposals, resulting in 63 projects with a total EU contribution of EUR 469.3 million.
The Mission Soil Work Programme 2026-2027 is now available online. The calls will open on 4 February 2026 (single stage and joint call) and 12 February (two stage).
Please check the Funding and Tenders Portal for updates.
Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)
SOILSCAPE will be providing Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) through an extensive open call which was launched in June 2025. The call aims to incentivise the integration of arts and creative approaches to raise awareness and engagement with soils and their preservation. The results will be communicated in January 2026
To enhance the impact of the Path4Med project and further the goals of reducing water and soil pollution across the Mediterranean and associated regions, Path4Med has launched an Open Call at the end of October 2025. Through the Open Call 5 additional projects will be funded, designed to accelerate the uptake of innovative nutrient management solutions, particularly in areas with ecosystems that can benefit from their implementation, application, use and/or less developed regions. Proposals will be submitted through the Open Call Hub by latest 30 January 2026.
The SEACURE project aims to launch an Open Call to finance activities that promote the implementation of holistic strategies related to the prevention, minimisation, reduction, and remediation of nutrient pollution. This Open Call will enhance and maximise the impact of the SEACURE project and drive progress in reducing water and soil pollution throughout the Mediterranean and its Associated Regions. Selected projects will be implemented over a period of 12 to 15 months. Proposals will be submitted through the Open Call Hub before 28 February 2026.
Further funding opportunities are also available under Cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment’, within Horizon Europe. This cluster aims to fund research and innovation projects that tackle challenges and seize opportunities encountered by farmers, foresters, and rural communities and produce innovative solutions, thus showing strong linkages to Mission Soil. The goal is to foster a circular and sustainable approach to agriculture and resource management while addressing environmental and societal concerns.
To learn more about the 2026 calls see the Cluster 6 Work Programme for 2026-2027.
For more information on the calls, please visit the European Research Executive Agency website and the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Portal.