EU Horizon Europe Call: Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Services in Urban Displacement Settings

The EU Horizon Europe call for climate-resilient WASH services in urban displacement settings is a landmark opportunity to address one of the most pressing humanitarian and development challenges of our time. Urban displacement—whether due to conflict, climate change, or economic factors—forces millions into overcrowded, underserved areas where access to safe water and sanitation is often severely limited. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, and waterborne diseases. The call, under topic HORIZON-CL6-2026-WATER-02, seeks to fund research and innovation projects that develop and implement climate-adaptive WASH solutions tailored to these contexts. The total budget is estimated at €15-20 million, with individual project sizes between €5-10 million. The call is part of Horizon Europe's Cluster 6, which focuses on food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment. It specifically falls under the destination 'Climate Resilience and Adaptation'. The call's scope is broad, encouraging a range of interventions from technological innovations (e.g., low-cost water treatment, smart metering) to governance models (e.g., community-led total sanitation, public-private partnerships). The deadline is November 12, 2026, providing ample time for preparation, but early action is advised due to the complexity of building consortiums and conducting needs assessments. The European Commission expects proposals to demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context, a strong partnership with local stakeholders, and a well-defined theory of change. Additionally, they require integration of cross-cutting issues like gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Proposals must be submitted by a consortium comprising at least three legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries. Partnerships with organizations from low- and middle-income countries are strongly encouraged. The call is competitive, with a success rate typically below 20%. Therefore, a high-quality proposal is essential. GSLI supports organizations through its comprehensive training courses, tailoring them to the specific needs of this call. Our courses on WASH, Public Health, Project Management, Proposal Writing, and M&E provide the essential skills to develop a competitive proposal and implement a successful project. By leveraging GSLI's expertise, consortia can significantly enhance their chances of securing funding and delivering lasting impact.

Strategic Overview

The EU Horizon Europe call for climate-resilient WASH services in urban displacement settings is a landmark opportunity to address one of the most pressing humanitarian and development challenges of our time. Urban displacement—whether due to conflict, climate change, or economic factors—forces millions into overcrowded, underserved areas where access to safe water and sanitation is often severely limited. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, and waterborne diseases. The call, under topic HORIZON-CL6-2026-WATER-02, seeks to fund research and innovation projects that develop and implement climate-adaptive WASH solutions tailored to these contexts. The total budget is estimated at €15-20 million, with individual project sizes between €5-10 million. The call is part of Horizon Europe's Cluster 6, which focuses on food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment. It specifically falls under the destination 'Climate Resilience and Adaptation'. The call's scope is broad, encouraging a range of interventions from technological innovations (e.g., low-cost water treatment, smart metering) to governance models (e.g., community-led total sanitation, public-private partnerships). The deadline is November 12, 2026, providing ample time for preparation, but early action is advised due to the complexity of building consortiums and conducting needs assessments. The European Commission expects proposals to demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context, a strong partnership with local stakeholders, and a well-defined theory of change. Additionally, they require integration of cross-cutting issues like gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Proposals must be submitted by a consortium comprising at least three legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries. Partnerships with organizations from low- and middle-income countries are strongly encouraged. The call is competitive, with a success rate typically below 20%. Therefore, a high-quality proposal is essential. GSLI supports organizations through its comprehensive training courses, tailoring them to the specific needs of this call. Our courses on WASH, Public Health, Project Management, Proposal Writing, and M&E provide the essential skills to develop a competitive proposal and implement a successful project. By leveraging GSLI's expertise, consortia can significantly enhance their chances of securing funding and delivering lasting impact.

Who is it For?

This call is designed for a wide range of organizations, including but not limited to: international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with proven experience in WASH, humanitarian action, and urban development; research institutions and universities specializing in water management, climate resilience, public health, and social sciences; private sector entities, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) developing innovative water and sanitation technologies; local and regional government authorities from EU member states and associated countries, especially those with urban displacement challenges; UN agencies and international organizations active in humanitarian and development contexts; and civil society organizations representing displaced communities. Proposals must be submitted by consortia comprising at least three independent legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries. However, to address the global nature of displacement, partners from low- and middle-income countries are strongly encouraged, especially those from regions experiencing significant urban displacement such as the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. The lead coordinator must be established in an EU member state or Horizon Europe associated country. The call specifically targets organizations that can bring interdisciplinary expertise, combining technical engineering, social inclusion, climate science, and policy analysis. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate a track record of working with displaced populations and engaging them in co-design processes. The call also welcomes organizations that can leverage existing networks and partnerships, such as those within the European WASH cluster or the Global Water Partnership. For GSLI, this represents an opportunity to support clients in building the necessary skills through our courses on WASH, Public Health & Epidemiology, and Monitoring & Evaluation, ensuring that consortia have the technical and managerial capacity to deliver impactful results.

Priorities

The European Commission's investment priorities for this call are multifaceted and align with the EU's Green Deal, the European Consensus on Development, and the EU's Humanitarian Mandate. The overarching priority is to enhance climate resilience of WASH services in urban displacement settings, which requires addressing both the immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development goals. Specifically, the donor is looking for proposals that: (1) integrate climate adaptation measures into WASH infrastructure, such as designing flood-resistant sanitation systems or rainwater harvesting for drought-prone areas; (2) promote social inclusion and gender equality by ensuring that WASH services are accessible, safe, and dignified for all, particularly women, girls, and vulnerable groups; (3) foster innovation through low-cost, scalable, and sustainable technologies, including nature-based solutions, decentralized treatment systems, and digital monitoring tools; (4) strengthen local governance and institutional capacity by working with municipal authorities and community-based organizations to ensure long-term operation and maintenance; (5) improve health outcomes by reducing waterborne diseases and improving hygiene practices through behavior change interventions; (6) generate evidence and data on the effectiveness of interventions, including cost-benefit analysis and impact evaluations; and (7) support the EU's external action by contributing to the global agenda on water, climate, and migration. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include: number of people with access to safe water and sanitation, reduction in diarrheal disease incidence, percentage of WASH facilities resilient to climate risks, and number of local institutions with improved capacity. The donor also emphasizes the need for cross-sectoral collaboration, linking WASH with housing, health, energy, and education. Proposals must clearly articulate how they will contribute to the EU's strategic autonomy and global leadership in water-smart societies. For organizations seeking to align with these priorities, GSLI's courses on Procurement & Supply Chain, Financial Management for NGOs, and Monitoring & Evaluation provide critical skills to design, implement, and evaluate such complex projects.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are defined by Horizon Europe regulations and the specific call conditions. To be eligible, the consortium must include at least three independent legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries. The coordinator must be established in an EU member state or a Horizon Europe associated country. Legal entities from low- and middle-income countries can participate as partners, but they must meet the definition of a legal entity under Horizon Europe rules. All participants must have the financial and operational capacity to carry out the proposed work. This includes submitting a detailed budget and a declaration of honor confirming no conflicts of interest. The project duration is typically 36-48 months, with a maximum EU contribution of €10-15 million per project (though exact amounts may vary). The call is a Research and Innovation Action (RIA), meaning the focus is on developing new knowledge and innovative solutions. Therefore, proposals must include a strong research component, with a clear methodology for technology development, testing, and validation. Additionally, proposals must address the specific challenge and scope of the call: 'Climate-resilient WASH services in urban displacement settings'. This means the project must be directly relevant to urban displacement contexts, such as informal settlements, camps, or host communities. Applicants must also consider cross-cutting issues such as gender, ethics, and data protection. The European Commission requires all projects to comply with the 'do no harm' principle and ensure meaningful participation of affected communities. Financially, the EU contribution covers up to 100% of eligible direct costs plus a flat rate of 25% for indirect costs. However, for profit-making entities, the indirect cost rate is reduced to 15% for some activities. Other eligibility requirements include submitting a proposal in English, using the official Horizon Europe template, and respecting the page limits. It is crucial to conduct a thorough spatial audit to ensure that the proposed intervention areas are clearly defined and that partners have legal access to those regions. For GSLI, we help clients navigate these complexities through our Grants Management and Writing Winning Proposals courses, ensuring all eligibility boxes are checked.

Path to Success

To succeed in this Horizon Europe call, organizations should follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI's training offerings. Step 1: Early Analysis and Partnership Building (6-9 months before deadline). Begin by conducting a landscape assessment of urban displacement settings where WASH services are most lacking and climate risks are high. Identify potential partners from EU member states, associated countries, and affected regions. GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course can help you structure this initial phase, including stakeholder mapping and partnership agreements. Ensure diversity in expertise: research institutions for innovation, NGOs for community engagement, local governments for sustainability, and private sector for technology. Step 2: Needs Assessment and Theory of Change (5-7 months before deadline). Engage with displaced communities and local authorities to co-design the project concept. Develop a robust needs assessment using participatory methods, and create a Theory of Change that links interventions to outcomes and impacts. GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course is invaluable here for designing indicators and data collection tools. The Theory of Change should explicitly address climate resilience, social inclusion, and institutional strengthening. Step 3: Proposal Writing and Budgeting (3-4 months before deadline). Use GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course to craft a compelling narrative that aligns with the call's priorities. The proposal must include a detailed work plan, risk management plan, and budget. Ensure the budget is realistic and justified, with co-funding if possible. GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' course can assist in developing a transparent budget. Address cross-cutting issues like gender, ethics, and environmental sustainability. Step 4: Submission and Pre-award Preparation (1-2 months before deadline). Finalize all documents, obtain signatures from all partners, and submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Prepare for potential evaluation by ensuring that all supporting documents are ready. After submission, use GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course to diversify funding sources and plan for project sustainability. Throughout the process, consider enrolling in GSLI's 'WASH' and 'Public Health & Epidemiology' courses to deepen technical knowledge. Additionally, 'Procurement & Supply Chain' and 'Grants Management' courses will strengthen operational capacity. By following this roadmap, consortia can increase their chances of success and demonstrate the expertise and commitment required by the European Commission.

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Deadline: 2026-11-12

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal