Green Deal Funding Alert – Summer 2026

1. TAIEX-EIR PEER 2 PEER: learn from peers and tackle environmental implementation challenges 

Are you a local or regional authority facing environmental implementation challenges?

The TAIEX-EIR PEER 2 PEER programme helps public bodies implement EU environmental legislation by connecting them with peers across Europe. Whether your focus is circular economy, water management, biodiversity, air quality, or sustainable urban development, this initiative offers practical solutions through:

Support is available through:

• Expert Missions - Direct exchanges with peer authorities;
• Study Visits - Learn from successful case studies;
• Workshops - Collaborate with experts and public-sector leaders.

Deadline: Applications are open on a rolling basis.

Find out more and apply via the dedicated TAIEX-EIR PEER 2 PEER webpage

Special focus: Water Resilience & Marine Protection for Outermost Regions

A dedicated call is open for outermost regions seeking support in water resilience and marine protection. If your region faces unique challenges in these areas, apply to receive tailored peer-to-peer assistance.

Deadline: 15 October 2026

Apply via the TAIEX application form; select TAIEX-EIR PEER 2 PEER.

2. EU Nature Restoration Law - Capacity Building opportunities by EUI

Struggling to meet the new EU Nature Restoration Law requirements? The European Urban Initiative (EUI) offers two key programmes to help cities build capacity and learn from peers:

Several programs are developed for you:

• City-to-City Exchanges Call: learn from cities or regions with similar challenges (budget, size, political context). This will allow you to connect you with peers who share your reality: similar size, similar budget constraints, similar political context. Receive full support: matchmaking, methodological guidance, and reimbursement for travel/accommodation.
  
  Deadline: Always open. You can apply whenever you are ready. Next Assistance Package sprint deadline: 25th September 2026.
  
  More information about the programme can be find here online.

• Peer Reviews for Sustainable Urban Development (SUD): Improve your SUD strategies through benchmarking, peer learning and experts' feedback.
  
  Deadline: The next call will open early October, and an ongoing call for the role of peer reviewer is permanently open.

Explore all the initiatives under the supervision of the EUI and find support for sustainable urban development on the website!

3. Apply for the European Natura 2000 Awards

Do your activities demonstrate excellence in the management of Natura 2000 sites, protected species or habitats? Have they shown how the network creates value for local communities, economies or enhance nature in towns and cities across the EU?

Apply for the 8th edition of the European Natura 2000 awards and gain EU-wide recognition! The winners will be celebrated at a ceremony in 2027.

The 5 categories announced for this year awards are:

• Conservation on land
• Marine & Coastal activities
• Town & Cities
• Community benefits
• Public engagement

Deadline: 30 September 2026

Find all the detailed information on the application process online here.

Any questions? 

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

If you missed the last edition of the Funding Alert, you can catch up here.

Don’t miss future editions of the Green Deal Funding Alert by subscribing to the Green Deal Going Local Newsletter.