About

The European Commission is launching a €15,000,000 grant initiative to support innovative, sustainable solutions that utilize underused vertical spaces above buildings or streets to improve housing availability and enhance urban green spaces. Aimed at balancing rising housing demands with biodiversity protection, the program seeks to limit urban sprawl and foster livable neighborhoods through smarter utilization of the existing built environment. Projects should focus on developing and demonstrating at least one aesthetically positive solution—such as vertical extensions, rooftop gardens, urban agriculture, or multifunctional structures—while integrating circularity principles and conducting comprehensive life-cycle environmental, social, and economic impact assessments. Funded projects, with an indicative budget of approximately €5,000,000 per initiative, must actively manage densification risks, propose practical strategies to overcome regulatory, technical, and societal barriers, and align with broader EU urban greening and environmental policy goals.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to any legal entity established under national, EU, or international law, including organizations from non-associated third countries and international organizations, subject to Horizon Europe conditions. To be considered for funding, proposals must demonstrate a participatory, transdisciplinary approach that actively engages local communities, relevant stakeholders, and, where appropriate, the cultural and creative industries. Furthermore, successful applications must provide practical strategies to identify and mitigate regulatory, technical, and societal barriers, manage potential negative effects of urban densification, evaluate the project's capacity to reduce land-use demand, and align with broader environmental policy goals.

Post Date: May 18, 2026