Horizon Europe is the European Union’s key funding programme for research and innovation. It has an overall budget of €95.5 billion for the 2021 - 2027 period and aims to boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth, support the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and tackle climate change. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges.

There are different funding strands within the Horizon programme. Initiatives concerned with both tackling the climate crisis and promoting the integration and inclusion of third country migrants could be eligible for funding under the call for proposals from initiatives promoting resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities.

Among other requirements, successful projects will investigate how different nature-based solutions designs and governance can contribute to environmental justice, prevent environmental racism and gentrification, and ensure the inclusion and active participation of women, youth, minority groups, and immigrant communities.

Specifically, successful proposals under this call will contribute to one or several of the following expected 'impacts':

• Rural, coastal and urban areas are developed in a sustainable, balanced and inclusive manner thanks to a better understanding of the environmental, socio-economic, behavioural, cultural and demographic drivers of change as well as deployment of digital, nature-based, social and community-led innovations;
• Rural, coastal and urban communities are empowered to act for change, better prepared to achieve climate neutrality, adapt to climate change, and turn digital and ecological transitions into increased resilience to various types of shocks, good health and positive long-term prospects, including jobs, for all including women, young people and vulnerable groups;
• Rural communities are equipped with innovative and smarter solutions that increase access to services, opportunities and adequate innovation ecosystems, including for women, youth and the most vulnerable groups, improve attractiveness and reduce the feeling of being left behind, even in the most remote locations like mountains;
• Urban and peri-urban communities – including the most vulnerable individuals and families – can access, afford and choose healthier, nutritious and environmental-friendly food.

Legal entities from the EU and associated countries are eligible for participation. Further information and a full list of requirements can be found on the EU's funding and tender portal, here.