EU Horizon Europe Call: Climate-Resilient WASH Services in Urban Displacement Settings

The European Commission through Horizon Europe Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) launches a call for research and innovation actions to develop climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in urban displacement contexts. The call aims to integrate WASH with climate adaptation, community engagement, and governance. Projects must include capacity-building components for local authorities, service providers, and displaced populations. Consortia should include universities, NGOs, and private sector. Budget: €6-8 million per project, with up to 4 projects funded. Duration: 36-48 months. Activities must cover at least two EU Neighborhood regions (e.g., Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa). Innovation in low-cost, sustainable WASH technologies and participatory governance models is expected. Impact pathways include improved health outcomes, social cohesion, and climate resilience.

Strategic Overview

The European Commission through Horizon Europe Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) launches a call for research and innovation actions to develop climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in urban displacement contexts. The call aims to integrate WASH with climate adaptation, community engagement, and governance. Projects must include capacity-building components for local authorities, service providers, and displaced populations. Consortia should include universities, NGOs, and private sector. Budget: €6-8 million per project, with up to 4 projects funded. Duration: 36-48 months. Activities must cover at least two EU Neighborhood regions (e.g., Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa). Innovation in low-cost, sustainable WASH technologies and participatory governance models is expected. Impact pathways include improved health outcomes, social cohesion, and climate resilience.

Who is it For?

Consortia comprising at least three entities from different EU member states or associated countries. Eligible partners include research organizations, SMEs, NGOs, and local authorities. Target end-users: urban refugee populations, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities in cities such as Amman, Nairobi, or Dakar.

Priorities

Aligned with the European Green Deal, EU Water Framework Directive, and the Global Gateway strategy. Thematic focus: climate adaptation, circular economy, and inclusive governance. Donor emphasizes transdisciplinary approaches, citizen science, and digital solutions for WASH monitoring.

Eligibility

Consortium must include at least one partner from a low- or middle-income country. Proposal must outline a gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach. Compliance with Horizon Europe rules, ethics review, and data management plan required. Track record in EU-funded research and open-access publishing expected.

Path to Success

Phase 1 (Months 1-6): Conduct baseline assessment and stakeholder mapping, applying GSLI's Data Analysis for Project Management and Water, Sanitation, Hygiene Training Workshop to design evidence-based interventions. Phase 2 (Months 7-18): Implement pilot WASH solutions and deliver training on operation and maintenance to local staff using GSLI's Project Planning and Management and Fundraising & Resource Mobilization For NGOs Training Workshop to ensure sustainability. Phase 3 (Months 19-36): Scale successful models and establish governance frameworks, integrating M&E and accountability from Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning. Phase 4 (Months 37-48): Disseminate results through policy briefs and peer-reviewed articles. GSLI courses equip consortia with cutting-edge skills in M&E, data analysis, and proposal writing, enhancing competitiveness for EU Horizon Europe grants.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Deadline: 2026-09-15

Persona: WASH

Urgency: Normal