The European Commission has announced 117 new Horizon Europe Cluster 6 projects that will receive a combined €742.5 million in EU funding to drive research and innovation for a greener, more resilient, and sustainable Europe.
Funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 6 – "Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment", these projects will contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal by addressing biodiversity loss, improving natural resource management, enhancing food and water security, and accelerating Europe's transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy.
The selected projects have officially signed their Grant Agreements with the European Commission. While some projects have already begun, others will start in the coming months.
Funding Overview
The 117 funded projects, worth a total of €742.53 million, are distributed across seven key research areas:
- 19 projects on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (€128.9 million)
- 24 projects on Fair, Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Food Systems (€139.2 million)
- 27 projects on Circular Economy and Bioeconomy (€198.0 million)
- 10 projects on Clean Environment and Zero Pollution (€55.8 million)
- 9 projects on Land, Ocean and Water for Climate Action (€53.3 million)
- 6 projects on Resilient Rural, Coastal and Urban Communities (€37.5 million)
- 22 projects on Innovative Governance, Environmental Observation and Digital Solutions (€129.9 million)
Research Areas Supported
The newly funded projects will focus on a wide range of sustainability challenges, including:
- Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems through improved monitoring, species identification, ecosystem modelling, and citizen science initiatives.
- Building sustainable food systems by improving farming, fisheries, aquaculture, plant health, crop breeding, and food preparedness for future crises.
- Accelerating the circular bioeconomy through innovative business models, sustainable product design, bio-based innovation, and reconstruction of conflict-affected regions.
- Reducing pollution with advanced monitoring technologies, biotechnology-based environmental clean-up, digital solutions for agriculture, and improved industrial sustainability.
- Supporting climate action by advancing marine carbon removal research, monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, protecting oceans, and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.
- Strengthening rural and coastal communities through innovative solutions addressing demographic change, housing challenges, accessibility, and climate adaptation.
- Advancing governance and digital innovation by improving environmental observation systems, strengthening bioeconomy cooperation, supporting farmers, and developing next-generation Earth intelligence capabilities.
Project Selection
The projects were selected through competitive single-stage Horizon Europe Cluster 6 calls, which were open between May and September 2025. Independent experts evaluated proposals based on scientific excellence, impact, and implementation quality, with the highest-ranked proposals receiving funding.
Why It Matters
These investments reinforce the European Union's commitment to delivering the goals of the European Green Deal while strengthening Europe's research and innovation ecosystem. The funded projects will generate new knowledge, technologies, and collaborative solutions that support environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and the transition to a greener economy.