# Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** Up to €350,000 per project, including overhead
**Deadline:** 16 November 2026 (15:00 CET; Pre-proposal and FWO pre-registration deadline)
**Duration:** 36 months (maximum, no automatic extension)
**Consortium:** Required — international/European consortium of research institutions; at least one Flemish partner for FWO funding, via Horizon Europe co-funded partnership (JPI Oceans)
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (with FWO pre-registration) → full proposal
**Frequency:** Periodic
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/sustainable-blue-economy-partnership-sbep/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Fourth joint transnational call under the Horizon Europe Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, covering four priority areas on blue economy sustainability, digitalisation, bioresources and coastal resilience. FWO funds the Flemish subproject within the consortium under either Fundamental Research or SBO channels; researchers must hold an eligible appointment for the full project duration and SBO spin-off projects are excluded.

## Summary

The Sustainable Blue Economy partnership (SBEP) is a Horizon Europe cofund mechanism, administered in Belgium by FWO, that funds blue economy research carried out through transnational consortia. It is open to Flemish researchers who join a partnership consortium rather than apply as individuals, covering topics tied to sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at Flemish institutions in Belgium
- Applicants able to join a transnational consortium rather than apply individually
- Research groups working on marine, coastal, or blue economy topics
- Teams positioned to participate in Horizon Europe partnership mechanisms

## Key dates

- Consortium-based application through the transnational cofund partnership

## Tips for applicants

- Secure your consortium partners early, since eligibility depends on being part of a transnational partnership rather than a solo application.
- Align your project with the wider Horizon Europe blue economy partnership priorities, since FWO funds this call as part of that broader mechanism.
- Check FWO's national call text for Flanders-specific rules, since eligibility and funding flow through FWO even though the partnership is transnational.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the Sustainable Blue Economy partnership (SBEP)?

Flemish researchers participating in transnational consortia are eligible, as this is a Horizon Europe cofund partnership administered by FWO for Belgium.

### Does the SBEP call require a consortium?

Yes, applicants must join a transnational cofund partnership consortium rather than apply individually.

### What research topics does the SBEP cofund support?

It funds blue economy research, covering the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, through transnational collaboration.

### Is the SBEP call linked to Horizon Europe?

Yes, it is funded via Horizon Europe partnership mechanisms and coordinated nationally in Belgium by FWO.

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

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