Open topic: Using the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative to strengthen urban manufacturing in support of the Clean Industrial Deal

The “Circular Cities and Regions Initiative to Strengthen Urban Manufacturing within the Clean Industrial Deal” is an EU-wide innovation funding program for companies, public institutions, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions of all sizes. Its aim is to research, demonstrate, and disseminate circular business models and production solutions in urban manufacturing enterprises. Projects that increase resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and simultaneously improve competitiveness are supported. The program follows a two-stage submission procedure: the first phase ends on 16.04.2026, followed by the second phase until 23.09.2026. The maximum funding amount is €6 million per project with a funding rate of up to 70% (100% for non-profit institutions). Funding areas include, among others, Smart Cities & Regions, environmental and climate protection, digitalization, as well as corporate financing and consulting. Prerequisites are compliance with Horizon Europe admissibility and eligibility criteria and cooperation of at least three independent entities from different member states or associated countries.

Interested civil society actors, urban manufacturing economic actors, and municipal authorities can jointly participate in projects that consider not only technological innovation but also social, economic, and ecological impacts. Evaluation is based on the degree of innovation, expected impact effects, and the efficiency of the implementation plan including risk management. Project costs – such as personnel, material and subcontractor services, as well as travel and accommodation expenses – are eligible for funding. Required application documents include the application form, project description, financing plan, CVs of key personnel, and ethics self-assessment. The European Commission, as the executive body, supports the application process and accounting according to Horizon Europe guidelines to sustainably promote the Clean Industrial Deal objectives and the EU circularity strategy.