Demonstrating transformative solutions to increase cross-border climate resilience

What is this call about?

The call funds innovation actions that develop and demonstrate solutions to shared climate risks in border regions, such as floods, droughts and wildfires. It targets cooperation between regional and local authorities on both sides of national borders.

What does this call fund?

Scope

Climate risks such as flooding, droughts, wildfires and sea level rise do not stop at national borders. Proposals should develop, test and demonstrate approaches and solutions that increase climate resilience in cross-border regions, with attention to coordination between national and regional governance on both sides of a border. Services to better predict, monitor and report cross-border climate events should be explored as a first step.

What proposals should address

• At least one relevant cross-border climate risk, with a systemic approach to cascading and compound risks strongly encouraged.
• A common classification of climate risks and an agreed acceptable level of risk across the border.
• Integrated solutions covering cross-border governance and/or socio-economic aspects, with nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation explored as a priority.
• Embedding of the solutions in the adaptation planning of the participating regional or local authorities and/or national plans.
• Effective contribution of social sciences and humanities expertise.

Demonstration and replication

Demonstration activities must take place in at least two distinct cross-border sites, each spanning adjacent regions on both sides of a national border. At least one replicating cross-border site should be identified to prepare the reuse of successful solutions and explore how to fund them.

Expected outcomes

• Climate resilience solutions for cross-border risks developed and demonstrated, including social, governance or nature-based solutions.
• Regional and local authorities on each side of a border better prepared to face climate impacts jointly.
• National, regional and local authorities sharing responsibility for testing solutions to cross-border risks.

Funded projects will work as a cluster, link to the Mission Implementation Platform and take part in the Mission Community of Practice.

When is the deadline?

21 September 2027 (320 days)

21 September 2027 (single-stage)