Green Deal Funding Alert – May 2026

1. Clean Hydrogen Partnership: Second call for project development assistance is open!

Are you coordinating a Hydrogen Valley project and looking to strengthen its readiness for investment and implementation?

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership has launched its second call for applications for project development assistance (PDA) under the Hydrogen Valleys Facility. Building on the first call, this initiative provides fully funded, tailored advisory support to help advance hydrogen valleys across EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries.

The call targets project coordinators seeking to bring integrated hydrogen ecosystems to a higher level of maturity. Support is offered under two tracks, PDA Light and PDA Plus, depending on the development stage of the project (applications must select one track only).

Deadline: 26 June 2026 (23:59 CET)

Find out more about the call on the Clean Hydrogen Partnership website!

2. Horizon Europe: €4 million available for projects fostering skills for the green transition in LRAs

Looking to support workforce readiness and skills development for the green transition in your region?

This Horizon Europe call focuses on identifying and strengthening the skills needed for the green transition, with a strong emphasis on policy relevance and education systems. It aims to provide policymakers, education and training providers, and social partners with actionable guidance.

Proposals are expected to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches, addressing labour market needs, career pathways, and the links between green and digital skills. Results should support more effective policies and lifelong learning systems at regional level.

Budget: €3–4 million per project
Deadline: 23 September 2026 (17:00 CEST)

Find more information on the Funding & Tenders Portal!

3. Natura 2000 Award: application for the 8th edition are now open!

Are you working to protect biodiversity while delivering benefits for your region or city?

The European Commission has launched the 8th edition of the Natura 2000 Award, celebrating outstanding initiatives that showcase how nature conservation can support local communities, economies, and quality of life across the EU.

If your projects contribute to the management of Natura 2000 sites, protect habitats or species, or demonstrate the value of nature in urban or rural areas, this is your chance to gain EU-wide recognition and inspire others.

Deadline: 30 September 2026

Find out more about the application process on the dedicated page!

Any questions? 

Please contact our Green Deal team at greendeal@cor.europa.eu. They will be happy to help.

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The Green Deal Going Local campaign secretariat