Strengthening forest research for the support of Ukraine

The funding program “Strengthening forest research for the support of Ukraine” aims to enhance the recovery, resilience, and EU integration of the Ukrainian forestry sector through transnational, research-based capacity building and policy measures. Public institutions, non-profit organizations, companies, and educational institutions from the EU can submit projects as consortium partners, in which at least one research institution or relevant authority from Ukraine is involved. Funding is provided for research, innovation, and capacity building to restore and sustainably manage forests damaged by war and climate change. The measure supports decision-makers and specialist offices in Ukraine with scientific data, digital tools, monitoring systems, as well as high-quality training and continuing education offerings. The goal is the evidence-based development of forest policies in line with EU standards and the acceleration of harmonizing Ukrainian legislation and technical standards with the EU acquis.

The Horizon Europe project finances personnel and material costs, travel, and subcontractor services at 100%. Up to EUR 6 million is available per project. Evaluation is based on the criteria of innovation content, relevance for Ukraine and EU integration, quality of the partnership, as well as potential for transferability and dissemination. Applications are possible exclusively via the Funding & Tenders Portal until 22 September 2027, 17:00 Brussels time. Projects that make a substantial contribution to EU Green Deal objectives, strengthen the institutional capacity of forest administration, and promote a digital and circular bioeconomy in the Ukrainian forestry sector will be funded. Thus, the program opens new impulses for research, education, governance, and cooperation between the EU and Ukraine to restore and strengthen forest ecosystems burdened by war and climate impacts.