Circular Bio-based Europe: call for proposals 2026

The aim of CBE is to promote the competitive, circular, bio-based industry in Europe and thus increase the sustainability and circularity of production and consumption systems in line with the “European Green Deal”.

Annual calls for proposals are intended to bring together various players in the bio-based industry to solve the sector's technological, legal and market challenges.

There are 13 topics available in the 2026 call for proposals with a total budget of 170.7 million euros. 

The CBE JU Info Day 2026 will take place online on March 12, 2026. Besides, there is one networking event on April 21, 2026 in Brussels. Registration for personal participation will be possible from January 2026. In addition, you have the opportunity to register on the Networking platform from CBE JU to network and exchange ideas with European partners for your project plans.

European consortia consisting of several (usually at least 3) organizations from 3 countries are funded, see European Commission tender documents and requirements in CBE JU work program 2026.

The individual project funding depends on the topic (see CBE JU work program).

The submission criteria are described in the European Commission's tender documents. 

For Innovation Actions, at least 15% (for IAs) or 20% (for IA Flagships), as well as 5% for Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) of the eligible project costs must be contributed through own contributions from the industry partners (companies associated with the Bio-based Industries Consortium). The participation of companies in the projects is therefore necessary.

The project application is submitted via the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Portal.

The results of the evaluation are expected in early 2027.