# Climate Neutral, Sustainable and Productive Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) — Joint Call

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** Approx. €350,000 (incl. overheads)
**Duration:** Up to 36 months
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Frequency:** Periodic
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://bluepartnership.eu/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

FWO co-funds transnational blue economy research for Flemish researchers under SBEP. ~€350k per Flemish project (2 projects, 3 years). Applicants submit to the call secretariat; FWO selection based on transnational panel ranking. FO or SBO rules apply; SBO spin-off projects ineligible.

## Summary

FWO co-funds transnational blue economy research through the Sustainable and Productive Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP), offering approximately €350,000 per Flemish project over up to three years. Applicants must form international consortia of at least three entities across three EU member states, with Flemish researchers eligible to lead or co-investigate funded projects. FWO evaluates proposals on a transnational panel ranking; spin-off projects under SBO rules are ineligible.

## Who should apply

- Flemish researchers based at academic or publicly funded research institutions in Belgium
- Researchers leading or co-investigating transnational marine/blue economy projects
- Project teams able to assemble partners in at least 2 other EU member states
- Fundamental or applied blue economy research (FO/SBO frameworks; not spin-off ventures)

## Key dates

- Periodic calls; no current open deadline, check SBEP partnership website for next call announcement
- Minimum three-entity international consortium required
- Up to 36-month project duration

## Tips for applicants

- FWO selection is based on transnational panel ranking, not national triage, make sure the consortium partners and their national funders align early.
- Clarify FO versus SBO eligibility before proposing; spin-off projects under SBO rules are explicitly ineligible for this call.
- Budget is ~€350k per Flemish project: confirm overheads and institutional indirect cost policies with your FWO contact before drafting the budget narrative.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does SBEP offer Flemish researchers?

Approximately €350,000 per Flemish project over up to three years, inclusive of overheads.

### Who can apply for FWO funding under the SBEP call?

Flemish researchers eligible to lead or co-investigate projects within international consortia of at least three entities across three EU member states.

### What type of blue economy research is eligible?

Fundamental (FO) or applied (SBO) blue economy research; spin-off projects under SBO rules are ineligible.

### How often does the SBEP call open?

SBEP organises periodic calls; check the partnership website for announcements of the next funding round.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-climate-neutral-sustainable-and-productive-blue-ec-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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