Find EU-funding for your projects now!Search for FundingSearch for programsReset all filters

  1. Select the type of organisation that you are interested in to implement projects.

    The role of an organisation involved could by lead partner, regular project partner, associate partner, and observers.

    Info
    Type of organisation
  2. Select countries that you are interested in to implement projects.

    The funding regions are defined by countries only. In case only part of a country (certain NUTS regions) is eligible for funding relevant information is provided in the description of the programme.

    Info
    Funding region
  3. Select themes that you are interested in to implement projects.

    16 different thematic keywords were predefined when the database was set up. Each call is classified according to this system either with one, two or more themes to facilitate the search for suitable calls.

    Info
    Topics
  4. You can use free text when searching for interesting calls. All you need to do is to enter a phrase in the text bar that EuroAccess is to look for in its database.

    When looking for a phrase in the free text bar, the system will perform an exact-match search. This means that it will search the database for the exact words, in their exact order. However, you can opt for two different approaches:

    1. You can use “AND”, in this way: One AND Two. EuroAccess will look in the database for the fields which records contain both One and Two, regardless of their order and their position in any sentence.

    2. You can use the “OR”, in this way: One OR Two. In this case, EuroAccess will search the database for fields that contain either the word One or the word Two. It will retrieve all the fields with one of these words or with both.

    However, you should prefer phrases or complex words over simple words in you text searches.

    Info
    Keyword
    Selection of eligible entitiesReset all
  1. An institution, body, office or agency established by or based on the Treaty on European Union and the Treaties establishing the European Communities.

    All education and training facilities for people of different age groups.

    An intergovernmental organization having legal personality under public international law or a specialized agency established by such an international organization. An international organization, the majority of whose members are Member States or Associated Countries and whose main objective is to promote scientific and technological cooperation in Europe, is an International Organization of European Interest.

    A person with legal rights and obligations. Unlike a legal entity, a natural person does not have a legal act (e.g. association, limited liability company, etc.).

    An NPO is an institution or organization which, by virtue of its legal form, is not profit-oriented or which is required by law not to distribute profits to its shareholders or individual members. An NGO is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that does not represent business interests. Pursues a common purpose for the benefit of society.

    A partnership, corporation, person, or agency that is for-profit and not operated by the government.

    Any government or other public administration, including public advisory bodies, at the national, regional or local level.

    A research institution is a legal entity established as a non-profit organization whose main objective is to conduct research or technological development. A college/university is a legal entity recognized by its national education system as a university or college or secondary school. It may be a public or private institution.

    A microenterprise, a small or medium-sized enterprise (business) as defined in EU Recommendation 2003/361. To qualify as an SME for EU funding, an enterprise must meet certain conditions, including (a) fewer than 250 employees and (b) an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million. These ceilings apply only to the figures for individual companies.

    Selection of eligible countriesReset all
    Selection of topicsReset all
  1. Administration & Governance, Institutional Capacity & Cooperation 

    This topic focuses on strengthening governance, fostering institutional capacity, and enhancing cross-border cooperation. It includes promoting multilevel, transnational, and cross-border governance by designing and testing effective structures and mechanisms, as well as encouraging collaboration between public institutions on various themes. 

    Innovation capacity and awareness are also key, with actions aimed at increasing the ability of individuals and organizations to adopt and apply innovative practices. This involves empowering innovation networks and stimulating innovation across different sectors. 

    Institutional cooperation and network-building play a crucial role, supporting long-term partnerships to improve administrative processes, share regional knowledge, and promote intercultural understanding. This also includes cooperation between universities, healthcare facilities, schools, sports organizations, and efforts in management and capacity building. 

    This topic focuses on strengthening the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors while ensuring sustainable development and environmental protection. It covers agricultural products (e.g., fruits, meat, olives), organic farming, horticulture, and innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. It also addresses forest management, wood products, and the promotion of biodiversity and climate resilience in forestry practices.

    In the food sector, the focus lies on developing sustainable and resilient food chains, promoting organic food production, enhancing seafood products, and ensuring food security and safety. Projects also target the development of the agro-food industry, including innovative methods for production, processing, and distribution.

    Fisheries and animal management are essential aspects, with an emphasis on sustainable fishery practices, aquaculture, and animal health and welfare. This also includes efforts to promote responsible fishing, marine conservation, and the development of efficient resource management systems.

    Soil and air quality initiatives play a crucial role in environmental protection and public health. This includes projects aimed at combating soil and air pollution, implementing pollution management systems, and preventing soil erosion. Additionally, innovative approaches to improving air quality—both outdoors and indoors—are supported, alongside advancing knowledge and best practices in soil and air management.

    This topic focuses on protecting the environment, promoting biodiversity, and addressing the challenges of climate change and resource management. It includes efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, develop low-carbon technologies, and reduce GHG emissions. Biodiversity promotion and natural protection are key aspects. 

    It also covers improving soil and air quality by reducing pollution, managing contamination, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing air quality both outdoors and indoors. Water management plays an essential role, including sustainable water distribution, monitoring systems, innovative wastewater treatment technologies, and water reuse policies. Additionally, it addresses the protection and development of waterways, lakes, and rivers, as well as sustainable wetland management. 

    This topic focuses on preserving, promoting, and enhancing cultural and natural heritage in a sustainable way. It includes efforts to increase the attractiveness of cultural and natural sites through preservation, valorisation, and the development of heritage objects, services, and products. Cultural heritage management, arts, and culture play a key role, including maritime heritage routes, access to cultural sites, and cultural services like festivals, concerts, and art workshops. 

    Tourism development is also central, with actions aimed at promoting natural assets, protecting and developing natural heritage, and increasing touristic appeal through the better use of cultural, natural, and historical heritage. It also covers the improvement of tourist services and products, the creation of ecotourism models, and the development of sustainable tourism strategies. 

    This topic focuses on the sustainable management, protection, and valorisation of natural resources and areas, such as habitats, geo parks, and protected zones. It also includes preserving and enhancing cultural and natural heritage, landscapes, and protecting marine environments. 

    Circular economy initiatives play a key role, with actions aimed at innovative waste management, ecological treatment techniques, and advanced recycling systems. Projects may focus on improving recycling technologies, organic waste recovery, and establishing repair and re-use networks. Additionally, pollution prevention and control efforts address ecological economy practices, marine litter reduction, and sustainable resource use. 

    This topic covers labour market development and employment, focusing on creating job opportunities, optimizing existing jobs, and addressing academic (un)employment and job mobility. It also includes attracting a skilled workforce and improving working conditions for various groups. 

    Strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and boosting entrepreneurship are key priorities. This includes enhancing SME capacities, supporting social entrepreneurship, and promoting innovative business models. Activities may focus on creating advisory systems for start-ups, spin-offs, and incubators, fostering business networks, and improving the competitiveness of SMEs through knowledge and technology transfer, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices. 

    This topic focuses on fostering community integration and strengthening a common identity by promoting social cohesion, positive relations, and the development of shared spaces and services. It supports initiatives that enhance intercultural understanding and cooperation between different societal groups. 

    Demographic change and migration address key societal challenges, such as an aging population, active aging, and silver economy strategies. It also includes adapting public services and infrastructure to demographic shifts, tackling social and spatial segregation, and addressing brain drain. Migration-related actions cover policy development, strategic planning, and the integration of migrants to create inclusive and resilient communities. 

    All projects where ICT has a significant role, including tailor-made ICT solutions in different fields, as well as digital innovation hubs, open data, Internet of Things; ICT access and connecting (remote) areas with digital infrastructure and services; services and applications for citizens (e-health, e-government, e-learning, e-inclusion, etc.); services and applications for companies (e-commerce, networking, digital transformation, etc.).

    This is about the mitigation and management of risks and disasters, and the anticipation and response capacity towards the actors regarding specific risks and management of natural disasters, for example, prevention of flood and drought hazards, forest fire, strong weather conditions, etc.. It is also about risk assessment and safety.

    This topic focuses on enhancing education, training, and opportunities for children, youth, and adults. It covers the expansion of educational access, reduction of barriers to education, and improvement of higher education and lifelong learning. It also includes vocational education, common learning programs, and initiatives supporting labour mobility and educational networks. Additionally, it addresses the promotion of media literacy, digital learning tools, and the development of innovative educational approaches to strengthen knowledge, skills, and societal participation. 

    This topic emphasizes the role of culture and media in education and social development. It supports initiatives that foster creativity, cultural awareness, and artistic expression among children and youth. Activities include promoting cross-border cooperation in the audiovisual sector, enhancing digital content creation skills, and boosting the distribution of educational and cultural media products. Furthermore, it encourages the development of media literacy initiatives, helping young audiences critically engage with digital and media content. By connecting education, creativity, and media, this topic strengthens cultural identity and supports inclusive, knowledge-based societies. 

    This topic covers actions aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. It includes energy management, energy-saving methods, and evaluating energy efficiency measures. Projects may focus on the energy rehabilitation and efficiency of buildings and public infrastructure, as well as promoting energy efficiency through cooperation among experienced firms, institutions, and local administrations. 

    In the field of renewable energy, this encompasses the development and expansion of wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, and other sustainable energy sources. Activities include increasing renewable energy production, enhancing research capacities, and developing innovative technologies for energy storage and management. Projects may also address sustainable regional bioenergy policies, financial instruments for renewable energy investments, and the establishment of cooperative frameworks for advancing renewable energy initiatives. 

    This topic focuses on promoting equal rights and strengthening social inclusion, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups. It covers activities enhancing the capacity and participation of children, young people, women, elderly people, and socially excluded groups. Activities can address the creation of inclusive infrastructure, improving access and opportunities for people with disabilities, and fostering social cohesion through innovative care services. It also includes initiatives supporting victims of gender-based violence, promoting human rights, and developing policies and tools for social integration and equal participation in society. 

    This area focuses on improving health and social services, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for diverse groups such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. It includes the development of new healthcare models, innovative medical diagnostics and treatments (e.g., dementia, cancer, diabetes), and the management of hospitals and care facilities. Additionally, activities addressing rare diseases, promoting overall wellbeing, and fostering preventive health measures fall under this theme. It also covers sports promotion, encouraging physical activity as a means to improve public health and social inclusion. 

    This area focuses on strengthening justice, safety, and security through cross-border cooperation and institutional capacity-building. It includes initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of police, fire, and rescue services, enhancing civil protection systems, and rapid response capabilities for emergencies like chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents. Activities also target the prevention and combatting of organized crime, drug-related crimes, and human trafficking, as well as ensuring secure and efficient border management. Furthermore, it covers initiatives promoting the protection of citizens, community safety, and the development of innovative security services and technologies. 

    This area focuses on the development and improvement of transport and mobility systems, covering all modes of transport, including urban mobility and public transportation. Actions aiming at improving transport connections through traffic and transport planning, rehabilitation and modernisation of infrastructure, better connectivity, and enhanced accessibility. Projects promoting multimodal transport and logistics, optimising intermodal transport chains, offering sustainable and efficient logistics solutions, and developing multimodal mobility strategies. Also, initiatives establishing cooperation among logistic centres and providing access to clean, efficient, and multimodal transport corridors and hubs. 

    Activities focusing on the sustainable development and strategic planning of urban, regional, and rural areas. This includes urban development such as city planning, urban renewal, and strengthening urban-rural links through climate adaptation, sustainable mobility, water efficiency, participatory processes, smart cities, and the regeneration of public urban spaces. Regional planning and development cover the implementation of regional policies and programmes, sustainable land use management plans, integrated regional action plans, spatial planning, and the efficient management of marine protected areas. Rural and peripheral development addresses the challenges of remote and sparsely populated areas by fostering rural community development, enhancing rural economies, improving access to remote regions, and promoting tailored policies for rural sustainability and growth. 

    Keyword search
Apply selection

Deadline expired

The deadline for this call has expired.

Call key data

Agrifood and Retail SMEs – renewable energy communities

Funding Program

Single Market Programme

Call number

SMP-COSME-2024-REC-01

deadlines

Opening
28.11.2024

Deadline
20.02.2025 17:00

Funding rate

75%

Call budget

€ 2,900,000.00

Estimated EU contribution per project

€ 1,000,000.00

Link to the call

Link to the submission

Call content

short description

This call for proposals aims to support the creation of local/regional renewable energy communities (RECs) across the EU integrating local Agri-food and Retail SMEs. The creation of these RECs will contribute to reducing and stabilising the energy costs of their SME members. Support will be given by providing advisory and consulting services that facilitate the creation of RECs but may not be available to SMEs in the agri-food and retail sectors. This could be due to insufficient regional consulting / advisory capacity, or because of inaccessible prices for small companies.

Call objectives

To achieve the objectives of the call, consortia selected through this call for proposals shall themselves organise one or more calls for expressions of interest for third party support. These calls shall offer legal and technical advisory and consulting services in order to support projects aimed at establishing RECs with agri-food and retail SMEs. These services shall be provided directly by the members of the consortium and/or through a voucher system (described in more detail in Activity 2) for more specific local services.

This call for proposals covers the following themes:

  • Increasing the use of renewable energy sources
  • Reducing the exposure of agri-food and retail SMEs to high energy costs
  • Reducing emissions in the agri-food and retail sectors
  • Supporting the establishment of renewable energy communities including agrifood and retail SMEs

Projects funded under this call will be expected to:

  • Launch calls for expressions of interest for third party support
  • Contact relevant agri-food and/or retail SMEs in order to raise awareness of the opportunities under this action
  • Provide expertise and advisory services on renewable energy to local agrifood and retail SMEs interested in applying for third party support
  • Provide advice on how to set up a renewable energy community in terms of legal, technical and practical requirements, including financial and business aspects and engage with municipalities / local authorities / regional authorities in order to establish cooperation to provide the local support required by REC projects.
  • Monitor and demonstrate the overall impact of the individual projects

read more

Expected effects and impacts

The impact of the mandatory activities listed above will be assessed during and after project implementation against the following mandatory Key Performance Indicators:

  • Number of successful projects that managed to create a REC
  • Number of agri-food and retail SMEs engaged in the REC projects
  • The proportion of the total energy needs of SMEs involved in the selected REC projects which will be covered by the renewable energy obtained through the projects
  • The total value of vouchers and directly delivered support services awarded to the REC projects
  • The number of communication and dissemination activities carried out as well as the size of the target audience, e.g. to attract possible beneficiaries and explain the impact of the projects’ activities

Applicants are expected to provide targets for these indicators in their proposal.

Other indicators are not mandatory but if applicants intend to propose further indicators, these must be SMART (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely).

Indicators and targets must be coherent with the proposed activities included in the proposal.

read more

Expected results

The proposal must address all the activities listed below.

Activity 1: Supporting the establishment of RECs through calls for expressions of interest for third party support

Projects funded under the present call for proposals shall organise one or more calls targeting SMEs in the retail and agri-food sectors who are interested in establishing local renewable energy communities (the so-called ‘REC projects’). The project proposal must outline the consortium’s communication strategy for the REC calls(s) in order to reach a maximum number of SMEs (see Activity 3). The REC call(s) must in any case be publicised among all agri-food and retail business organisations in the geographic areas which the consortium has committed to cover in its project proposal. Groups of SMEs can apply to those REC calls by proposing projects for renewable energy communities and outlining their needs for support. Projects funded under the present call for proposals will assess the applications for REC projects and provide support to the best proposals that have technical support needs (see next Activities).

Projects funded under the present call for proposals shall publish the call(s) for expressions of interest for third party support within the first four months of the project after the start of the project. The REC projects must aim at establishing a renewable energy community, which will have to be a legal entity according to the Renewable Energy Directive. These REC projects, that have to set up a renewable energy community (REC projects), will have to make use of biogas, biomethane, biomass-based heating, green hydrogen, solar PV, wind turbines or other renewable energy technologies. The REC projects should also assess the feasibility of installing an energy storage system, such as batteries, to store the renewable energy produced.

The REC projects applying to the call for expression of interest for third party support must refer to a defined geographical area and must include at least two local agri-food SMEs and/or retail SMEs, that have committed to joining the renewable energy community, to be eligible. The projects should also involve local partners who can offer support, such as business, networking or technical assistance, and clearly outline the specific support needed for local implementation. In addition to the retail and agrifood SMEs (as defined in the EU definition of SMEs), the members of the REC projects could include:

  • Small businesses (as defined in the EU definition of SMEs) in other sectors may also be part of the REC project, even if there is no obligation to extend the REC into other sectors than food and drink or retail.
  • Complementary larger companies with a significant energy production or storage capacity in the same area (although they should not be the primary beneficiaries of the technical support, as they typically have better technical capabilities)
  • Local authorities, including municipalities
  • Associations or cooperatives operating at local level

Each project funded under this call for proposals is expected to support around 10 to 15 REC projects. If the initial call for expressions of interest for third party support does not attract enough REC project proposals, the consortium may launch additional calls.

Activity 2: Providing technical assistance and financial support to the selected beneficiaries of REC projects

The consortium applying to the present call for proposals will provide business and technical assistance to the REC projects selected through its call(s) for REC projects.

The proposal to the present call will explain in detail how the consortium intends to provide each type of business or technical support: either centrally, directly by the members of the consortium, or through third parties, coordinated by members of the consortium. These third parties could include members or branches of consortium members, affiliated organisations, or independent third parties. The providers of the business or technical assistance must have demonstrated the necessary knowledge, expertise and experience to provide the technical assistance in question.

The selected REC projects will receive the consulting/advisory services either directly from the projects selected under the present call for proposals, or through or in combination with a voucher system (via sub-contractors). Recipients of the vouchers could use those to access services both within and outside their region, making consulting capacity that is typically unavailable locally more accessible. At the same time, this would enhance the project’s European added value, by transferring knowledge from more advanced Member States or regions to SMEs in areas where such expertise is still limited.

The total combined value of vouchers and/or services provided to a REC project selected under a project implementing this call shall not exceed EUR 60,000 (in total for all members of a REC project).

Applicants must explain clearly how the proposed voucher system will be implemented, how the quality of support providers under the voucher scheme will be ensured and controlled, and how they intend to monitor the impact of the services acquired through the voucher scheme.

Types of technical assistance can be chosen based on the needs and preferences of the REC projects. Technical assistance could include:

  • Comprehensive needs analysis: Creating a viable renewable energy community requires a clear understanding of the specific needs involved. Evaluating the competencies and capacities of the REC applicants and identifying their knowledge gaps will be crucial. It will also be important to assess the types of support already available in the region through local support offices – such as the Enterprise Europe Network or existing regional public advisory bodies – that offer free services to SMEs, potentially making vouchers unnecessary. While the consortium could conduct the needs analysis centrally, it could also be carried out by local bodies or organisations like EEN members or members of umbrella organisations within the consortium.
  • Optimisation of each REC project: Optimising each REC project could involve providing support in finding a balance between different production, storage, or network options. It could also include identifying the best sites and technologies for renewable energy production and storage and recommending potential complementary opportunities.
  • Technical analysis of the best specific technological options for equipment: A technical analysis could be conducted to determine the best specific technological options for equipment to be deployed by the REC project. This could include providing recommendations on the most cost-efficient solutions and supporting the identification and selection of equipment providers.
  • Development and negotiation of optimal grid access conditions: Support could be offered for planning and negotiating optimal grid access conditions to facilitate energy transportation between the members of the REC project. This could also include assisting with negotiations for selling excess energy production and purchasing additional energy from energy operators.
  • Legal and regulatory support: This would only include legal and regulatory support not included in Activity 2. Therefore, this would not cover legal and regulatory support related to the establishment of the legal entity and any administrative work related to it, but support related to regional/national legal frameworks for renewable energy.
  • Assistance for finalisation of business plans: This could include the evaluation of the financial investment needs for each SME and for the REC project as a whole.
  • Support regarding funding opportunities: Support could be provided to leverage regional, national or EU funding opportunities for the creation of a REC. This funding could be used for small technology infrastructures or services needed for the technical operations of the REC project.
  • Identification of financing possibilities: The identification of various financing options, including securing loans from financial institutions or attracting potential third-party investors, could be another possible action. This assistance would help in obtaining the necessary capital for larger-scale projects or investments that are not covered by traditional funding programs, thereby facilitating the creation and expansion of a REC project.
  • Selected consortia will have to help SMEs establish renewable energy communities by providing consulting and advisory services that are not available or not accessible to SMEs in the region.
  • The projects should not only increase the capacity of SMEs to create RECs, but also help them leverage regional funding opportunities, such as those deriving from the European Regional Development Fund or the Recovery and Resilience Facility, to create more impact.

Activity 3: Communicating and disseminating results and best practices

The project proposal under the present call for proposals must outline the consortium’s communication strategy that will be used for the call(s) for REC projects described in Activity 1 with the aim of reaching as many SMEs as possible. The call(s) for REC projects must in any case be publicised to all agri-food and retail business organisations within the geographical areas that the consortium has committed to cover in its project proposal. The consortium must perform extensive communication activities aimed at agri-food and retail SMEs in this geographical area when the call for REC projects is announced. This might include online publications, local or regional webinars or workshops, or other activities at events during which the calls for REC projects are explained to possible interested organisations. To achieve this, the consortium must have an already established network through one or more of its members.

In addition, the consortium must enable collaboration with the Citizen Energy Advisory Hub (CEAH) (see page 8 for more details) to allow for exchanges regarding the best practices and impacts achieved by their respective projects. Other networks such as the Enterprise Europe Network or the European Clusters Collaboration Platform shall also be involved.

Activity 4: Managing the project

All projects applying under the present call for proposals are expected to set up adequate project management procedures. In addition, the role of the consortium coordinator is further explained in section 13 of this call for proposals and in the relevant provisions of the grant agreement.

Each partner organisation in the consortium must ensure efficient management of their project team and the implementation of their part of the project.

The consortium coordinator is responsible to coordinate and provide the required interim and final reports on behalf of the consortium within the deadlines specified in the grant agreement.

The reports shall include a summary of the activities conducted, the development of the projects promoted and – for the final report - the impact that each has had in its local or regional area. The recipients of services/vouchers must be consulted in a structured way to allow them to contribute to the collection of information.

Applicants shall describe how the activities will be implemented and how deliverables will be reached.

Projects funded under this call for proposals shall inform the granting authority of the list of projects approved under the call(s) for REC projects (support to third parties).

Project coordinators may be invited to join regular steering meetings with the granting authority and the European Commission in order to provide updates on the progress of their activities.

read more

Eligibility Criteria

Regions / countries for funding

EU Member States, Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)
Moldova (Moldova), Albania (Shqipëria), Armenia (Հայաստան), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина), Georgia (საქართველო), Iceland (Ísland), Kosovo (Kosova/Kosovë / Косово), Liechtenstein, Montenegro (Црна Гора), North Macedonia (Северна Македонија), Norway (Norge), Serbia (Srbija/Сpбија), Türkiye, Ukraine (Україна)

eligible entities

EU Body, Education and training institution, International organization, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) / Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Other, Private institution, incl. private company (private for profit), Public Body (national, regional and local; incl. EGTCs), Research Institution incl. University, Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)

Mandatory partnership

Yes

Project Partnership

In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must: 

  • be legal entities (public or private bodies)

  • be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:

    • EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs))

    • non-EU countries: listed EEA countries and countries associated to the Single Market Programme or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature (list of participating countries)

Typically eligible applicants can be Enterprise Europe Network host organisations, umbrella organisations specialising in renewable energy communities, specialised consultancy/advisory organisations, organisations representing local authorities and other organisations with competencies relevant for this call for proposals.

Other entities may participate in other consortium roles, such as associated partners, subcontractors, third parties giving in-kind contributions, etc (see section 13).

Specific cases:

Natural persons are NOT eligible (with the exception of self-employed persons, i.e. sole traders, where the company does not have legal personality separate from that of the natural person).

Entities which do not have legal personality under their national law may exceptionally participate, provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf, and offer guarantees for the protection of the EU financial interests equivalent to that offered by legal persons.

Entities composed of members may participate as ‘sole beneficiaries’ or ‘beneficiaries without legal personality’. Please note that if the action will be implemented by the members, they should also participate (either as beneficiaries or as affiliated entities, otherwise their costs will NOT be eligible). 

Beneficiaries from countries with ongoing negotiations (see above) may participate in the call and can sign grants if the negotiations are concluded before grant signature (with retroactive effect, if provided in the agreement).

other eligibility criteria

Proposals must be submitted by a consortium composed of applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities), which complies with the following conditions:

  • at least three partners from at least three different eligible countries
  • the coordinator of the consortium must be a provider of services relevant to the purpose of this call for proposals, a business support organisation, an association/umbrella organisation in the area of renewable energies/renewable energy communities or a national, regional or local institution/authority.

EEN host organisations are typically best placed to act as coordinators for projects under this call for proposals, but the consortium can propose a different organisation, if duly justified.

The consortium coordinator may NOT participate and must NOT submit more than one proposal under this call for proposals. Multiple proposals from the same consortium coordinator will be rejected.

Applicants – other than consortium coordinators - may participate in more than one proposal under this call for proposals. But if the same applicant is participating in more than one proposal selected for a grant, the applicant will be asked to withdraw from all except one or the applicant will be rejected from all proposals.

Please consult p. 14 of the call document for a list of compulsory deliverables.

Direct financial support to third parties is not allowed.

Additional information

Topics

Agriculture & Forestry, Fishery, Food, Soil quality, 
Competitiveness of Enterprises, Employment/Labour Market, SME & entrepreneurship, 
Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy

Relevance for EU Macro-Region

EUSAIR - EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, EUSALP - EU Strategy for the Alpine Space, EUSBSR - EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, EUSDR - EU Strategy for the Danube Region

UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs)

project duration

24 months

Additional Information

Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System (accessible via the Topic page in the Search Funding & Tenders section). Paper submissions are NOT possible.

Proposals (including annexes and supporting documents) must be submitted using the forms provided inside the Submission System ( NOT the documents available on the Topic page — they are only for information).

Proposals must be complete and contain all the requested information and all required annexes and supporting documents:

  • Application Form Part A — contains administrative information about the participants (future coordinator, beneficiaries and affiliated entities) and the summarised budget for the project (to be filled in directly online)

  • Application Form Part B — contains the technical description of the project (to be downloaded from the Portal Submission System, completed and then assembled and re-uploaded)

  • mandatory annexes and supporting documents (to be uploaded):

    • detailed budget table/calculator (template available in the Submission System; Tpl_Detailed Budget Table (SMP COSME GFS 90))

    • CVs of core project team of the coordinator and other project partners

Your application must be readable, accessible and printable. Proposals are limited to maximum 50 pages (Part B). Evaluators will not consider any additional pages.

To see more information about this call, you can register for free here
or log in with an existing account.
Log in Register now