Additionality - ERDF - Sustainable Water Management

The funding program “Additionality – ERDF – Sustainable Water Management” in Burgenland supports innovative climate change adaptation measures by public institutions and cooperatives. Projects addressing rainwater management (evaporation, infiltration, reintegration into the natural water cycle), coordinated groundwater and surface water management, as well as agricultural irrigation within the framework of integrated overall concepts, are eligible for funding. Municipalities, water and wastewater associations, as well as cooperatives and companies with state participation, may submit funding applications on an ongoing basis. The funding rate amounts to up to 90% of eligible expenses – including investment, personnel, material, planning, and external service costs. Key selection criteria include an innovative approach, improvement of supply security, contribution to the protection of natural water resources, and environmental and regional policy relevance.

Project sponsors must have municipal, association, or cooperative status and demonstrate that their measure serves climate change adaptation in the water sector. Eligible costs include, among others, investment costs for construction and engineering services, personnel expenses for project management and operation, material resources, as well as planning and evaluation costs. Evaluation is based on proposals for innovative solutions (e.g., rainwater management systems, dosing concepts), their contribution to the long-term safeguarding of water resources, and the resilience of agricultural irrigation. Applications can be submitted continuously until the program’s end in 2027. Required documents include a project description, a detailed cost estimate, and proof of sponsorship. The program makes an important contribution to the sustainable safeguarding of natural water resources in Burgenland and promotes networking among all relevant stakeholders in water management.