Advancing circular logistics solutions in cities

The EU funding call “Advancing circular logistics solutions in cities” aims to develop and demonstrate innovative and scalable circular economy approaches in urban freight transport. The focus is on modular, reusable packaging and loading units as well as digital tools ranging from the Internet of Things (IoT) to Artificial Intelligence to increase resource efficiency and reduce waste. Applicants – including cities, municipalities, logistics service providers, retailers, and civil society actors – organize at least three partner cities from different EU Member States, including a “Mission City,” and work closely with the Cities Mission Platform. In real pilot projects in at least two different urban environments, solutions for at least two product groups are tested. Accompanying analyses of environmental, social, and economic effects, including reverse logistics and take-back systems, as well as co-creation processes with municipal decision-makers, promote policy recommendations and regulatory guidelines.

All direct expenses are funded at 100% (personnel costs, material costs, travel expenses, subcontractor services, costs for open market consultation). Investments in large-scale market launches or retrospective costs are excluded. The deadline for online applications in the Funding & Tenders Portal is 07/10/2027 (5:00 p.m. Brussels time). Following positive evaluation by independent experts, projects with a budget of up to €7.5 million will be awarded. The submission includes a project description, financing plan, annexes A–G, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cities Mission Platform. The initiative supports the EU Mission “Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities” and contributes to the EU Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).