Horizon Europe offers a pathway to 100 cities and regions to become climate resilient

The programme invites authorities to sign up and help achieve EU's Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change

A total of 21 million euros will be awarded to 100 European local and regional governments advancing climate change adaptation and resilience. The newly-minted Horizon Europe 2020 programme Pathways2Resilience (P2R) has launched a call marking a first step toward multiple open call cycles through which successful applicants will receive up to 300,000 euros in sub-grants.

The funds will be used to develop collaborative climate resilience pathways and help fulfil the EU's Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change.

With a focus on systemic innovation, the selected 100 regions and communities will be able to expand their portfolio of adaptation activities and enhance local capacity for climate resilience with the input of local stakeholders. P2R will also offer the participants assistance as they examine finance mechanisms. Access to training modules, methods, tools and guidelines will be made available as well.

Adaptation begins at the local level

Potential applicants are invited to participate in the Call for Expressions of Interest, which will help P2R partners - coordinated by Climate-KIC, with support from ICLEI Europe, LGI and ERRIN - gauge adaptation challenges, barriers and needs. Furthermore, applicants are eligible to receive assistance from P2R partners in strengthening their applications via matchmaking activities and facilitated discussions.

According to the Committee of the Regions, approximately 90% of climate change adaptation measures are initiated at the local and regional levels. P2R puts the EU on track to reach its broader goals on climate adaptation, while backing the local actors and actions that will make this possible.

The Call for Expressions of Interest is open until 15 September 2023 at 18:00 CEST. Local or regional public authorities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries are welcome to apply. The first call for applications is foreseen in late 2023, or early 2024.

Interested regions and communities may attend an upcoming information session on 9 June at 10:00 CEST.