DANUBElifelines Call for Associated Regions

Description

DANUBElifelines (DLL) is a Horizon Europe lighthouse project aiming to safeguard and restore migratory fish populations and their habitats across the Danube River Basin. DLL will develop an Action Plan — referred to as the "Blueprint for Migratory Fish Recovery" — that integrates ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions into an evidence-based restoration strategy. DLL aims to catalyze transformation through innovative restoration strategies, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. The project combines on-the-ground demonstration at eight demonstration sites with upscaling to 5 Associated Regions. DLL actions include: Mapping and prioritizing transnational ecological corridors Restoration and reconnection of critical habitats Removal of migration barriers and dam removal feasibility studies In-depth engagement with stakeholders and business actors Development of business models Creation of tools like the Fish Migration and Connectivity Atlas DLL fosters an integrated approach — bridging science, policy, economy, and local action — to reverse the decline of migratory fish species and contribute to healthy, resilient freshwater ecosystems in the DRB and across Europe. By joining as an Associated Region, you will gain access to DLL’s knowledge and support to: Monitor fish populations and habitat conditions Plan and implement habitat restoration for migratory fish Design and assess restoration measures (including feasibility for dam removals) Engage stakeholders and integrate local knowledge Develop sustainable business models Develop replication roadmaps aligned with the DLL Action Plan Supported activities include: Restoration measures for habitats of migratory fish Monitoring and habitat assessment of migratory fish Planning of restoration measures for migratory fish Feasibility studies for restoration measures (incl. dam removal) for migratory fish River connectivity, river-sea reconnection River dynamics improvement Dam removal Business plan implementation Stakeholder involvement You find further details at: https://danubelifelines.eu/associated-regions For inquiries, please contact: DANUBElifelines Coordination Team Email: dll@danubelifelines.eu

Beneficiary & submission

Each selected Associated Region can receive up to €100,000 in funding. Only actual costs incurred during the implementation of supported activities can be reimbursed. Applications should be submitted using the official application form (Annex 1) and uploaded via this LINK. Timeline Evaluation and selection: within 3 months after submission deadline Contracting completed: latest till 30.4.2026 Start of project implementation: latest by 1.5.2026 Duration of project implementation: aligned with the DLL project timeline (until 30.04.2029) Evaluation process An evaluation panel composed of the DLL Steering Group and Advisory Board members will assess eligible proposals based on the following criteria: Relevance of the proposal for the DLL objectives Impact on migratory fish and local ecosystems Excellence and alignment with DLL principles Feasibility and realism of proposed actions Resources and capacity to implement the proposed activities Local network and stakeholder integration Proposals will be scored (0–5 per category), with a minimum threshold of 15 required for funding.

Further information

Eligible applicants include local and/or regional authorities from: EU Member States EEA countries ENP-associated countries to Horizon Europe Note: Entities located in DLL partner countries (Austria (AT), The Netherlands (NL), Hungary (HU), Germany (DE), Serbia (RS), United Kingdom (UK), Romania (RO), Slovakia (SK), Slovenia (SI), Spain (ES), Bulgaria (BG)) or under EU restrictive measures are not eligible. Applicants must: Be a local or regional authority Be eligible for Horizon Europe participation Have a good command of English Comply with standard EC Grant Agreement requirements (i.e. Articles 12 (conflict of interest), 13 (confidentiality and security), 14 (ethics), 17.2 (visibility), 18 (specific rules for carrying out action), 19 (information) and 20 (record-keeping)[1]). [1] more details https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/general-mga_horizon-euratom_en.pdf