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New call for proposals on supporting Arctic communities

1 June 2026

 The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals with co-funding of up to €300,000 to support awareness-raising initiatives focused on Arctic communities, including youth and indigenous people. The call is funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

The Arctic region is warming several times faster than the global average, leading to profound environmental, economic and social transformations. Arctic communities, particularly indigenous people and youth, face unique challenges, including threats to traditional livelihoods, limited economic opportunities and insufficient representation in decision-making processes. At the same time, their local knowledge offers invaluable insights for sustainable development and climate resilience.

Objectives and themes

The objective of this call is to promote dialogue and cooperation between Arctic communities and policymakers, while raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities they encounter. The funded project will focus on (non-exhaustive list):

  • Empowering indigenous entrepreneurship and economic participation, especially of young people
  • Improving access to funding and financial literacy
  • Policy research
  • Facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration

The call prioritises two key themes:

  1. Competitiveness and entrepreneurship for sustainable development and circular economy in the Arctic, focusing on small and indigenous businesses, entrepreneurship, youth economic initiatives, as well as the impact of climate change in sustainable economic development activities.
  2. Promote the value of local and Indigenous knowledge in advancing innovation, circular economy practices, and sustainable development across the Arctic.

Both themes are expected to have a strong focus on the blue economy, to foster a more integrated maritime, coastal and ocean governance.

Activities may include workshops, policy research, awareness campaigns, peer-learning initiatives and structured dialogues between communities, stakeholders, and policymakers.

One project is expected to be funded.

How to apply?

Applicants must submit their proposals electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System until 20 August 2026 at 17:00 (CEST, Brussels time).