Introduction to the project
BlueActionBanos contributes to the EU’s ‘Restore our ocean and waters by 2030’ initiative and the European Green Deal by promoting biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction and sustainable transformation. The project’s main objective is to facilitate the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the Mission Ocean, scaling up solutions piloted in the Baltic and North Sea Lighthouse Area. BlueActionBanos provides financial assistance, technical guidance and strategic knowledge-sharing to help communities implement innovative actions and address complex environmental challenges, driving sustainable change at local, regional and national levels.
The project will run from 2025 to 2029.
Project in action
BlueActionBanos’ approach includes mobilising diverse communities to implement ocean restoration actions, providing them with targeted financial support, technical expertise and tools for sustainable transformation. The project will launch cascade funding calls open to local and regional stakeholders and communities in the Baltic and North Sea Lighthouse Area, to design transition agenda and implement community-led actions.
By scaling solutions from Phase 1, the project ensures that successful actions are deployed more widely across the Baltic and North Sea areas. BlueActionBanos facilitates knowledge-sharing among communities, supports the development of transition agendas and offers strategic guidance to help actors address environmental challenges. The outcomes include enhanced collaboration, increased capacity to implement restorative actions and measurable contributions to the EU's ocean restoration goals.
ERRIN’s role
ERRIN contributes to the coordination and management of BlueActionBanos, particularly through liaising with the EU Commission, Mission Secretariat and other relevant policy networks. ERRIN also supports the exchange of information and coordination with sister projects across lighthouse areas. Additionally, ERRIN is involved in preparing for open calls and supporting the design of technical assistance tools to help communities transition to sustainable practices.
Benefit for members and Links with ERRIN’s Working Groups and priorities
ERRIN has been actively involved in the development and implementation of the EU Missions over the past several years. The Blue Economy WG has led ERRIN’s efforts on the Mission restore our ocean and waters by 2030. BlueActionBanos project is fully integrated into the Mission lighthouse Baltic and North Sea basin to make the blue economy carbon-neutral. By providing financial support, technical guidance, and tools for local communities, BlueActionBanos will offer an opportunity for ERRIN to collaborate with its members to drive sustainable transformation in their regions and contribute to the EU’s ocean restoration goals.
Latest Updates
- By Astrid Hannes
BlueActionBANOS Cascade Funding Calls: build your local coalition for Ocean and Water Restoration by 2030 and apply before 16 March
The deadline of 16 March for applying for the BlueActionBANOS cascade funding calls is approaching quickly. Local and regional public authorities in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden are invited to apply to lead the way in restoring Europe's oceans and waters, together with local stakeholders in their territories. Grants range from 100.000 to 2 million euros.
- By Ana Nava
Blue Economy: Upcoming opportunities for ERRIN Members
The EU Blue Economy agenda is entering a decisive phase, with new funding opportunities and key policy initiatives under Mission Ocean & Waters. This summary highlights the most relevant upcoming activities and engagement opportunities for ERRIN members in the months ahead. Regional stakeholders are invited to read on and explore how to engage strategically in this rich agenda.
- By Ana Nava
European Ocean Days: Collaboration for acting on Ocean and Waters
The EU Ocean Days 2026 will bring Europe’s blue community together at a key moment for ocean and water policy. Across a week of high-level consultations, fora and dialogues, stakeholders will be able to actively shape EU strategies focused on water resilience, ocean R&I or coastal communities. For ERRIN members, the event offers concrete opportunities to influence EU agendas, connect with key actors across the blue economy and strengthen the regional voice within the Mission Ocean and Waters.
- By Ana Nava
First stakeholder consultation on the European ocean research & innovation strategy
The European Commission has launched the consultation process for the EU Ocean R&I Strategy, a key step for shaping Europe’s future approach to ocean science, research, governance and technological development.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
New cascade funding opportunities for local actions under the Mission Ocean and Waters
The EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030' is entering a decisive new chapter. After several years focused on research, pilots and governance building, the Mission is now shifting toward scaling up solutions across Europe’s seas and river basins. The new basin projects have now launched new cascade funding calls, allowing small actors to access EU Mission support without a heavy administrative burden.
- By Astrid Hannes
Cascade calls opening: BlueActionBANOS is igniting community action to restore our waters
The BlueActionBANOS project has launched two major open calls to fund local and regional projects across the Baltic and North Sea basin. Inspired by the EU Mission Ocean, these calls provide financial support for local and regional authorities, NGOs, educational institutions, professional associations, research organisations and industry. With support ranging from 100.000 up to 2 million euros, these calls support community-led actions and the development of transition agendas to restore local marine and aquatic environments. Online information sessions are taking place on 10 and 16 December 2025.