Assessing the performance of policy instruments to inform climate change mitigation action

Overview

Supports research projects that assess the effectiveness of EU and national policy instruments for climate change mitigation, focusing on sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS 1). Targets interdisciplinary teams of researchers, policy experts, and government officials to improve methodologies for ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, NGOs, and private companies) from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select third countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are expected, with collaboration between political scientists, economists, and other Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding per project: €15,000,000
• Funding type: Lump sum grant
• Total budget: Not specified
• Co-funding: Not required (lump sum model)

What Is Funded

• Development and improvement of methodologies for ex-ante assessment and ex-post evaluation of GHG emission reductions from climate policies.
• Analysis of policy effectiveness, behavioural change, and social acceptability, including gender-specific aspects.
• Assessment of economic, social, distributional, and co-benefits (e.g., climate resilience) of mitigation actions.
• Use of advanced econometric techniques, machine learning, and digital tools to distinguish policy-driven effects from external drivers.
• Cross-sectoral modelling integrating climate objectives into other policies (e.g., biodiversity, agriculture, trade).
• Collaboration and networking between researchers, policy experts, and government officials.
• Stakeholder engagement (e.g., governments, NGOs, academia) for mutual learning and co-creation.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6 (validation in lab to demonstration in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-03

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission: Proposals are submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Evaluation: Based on award criteria outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
• Model: Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) and lump sum grant agreement.

Post-Award Obligations

• Participation in networking and joint activities to foster cross-project cooperation.
• Dissemination of results and methodologies to stakeholders and end-users.
• Reporting as per Horizon Europe lump sum grant requirements.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for satellite-based data if applicable.
• Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Focus on sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS 1).
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.