Apply for C4T GROUNDWORK technical assistance for Cohesion Policy investments

09 June 2026

C4T GROUNDWORK supports EU regions in accelerating the green transition. In the latest call, 51 applications from 12 countries resulted in 24 selected for tailored assistance in areas such as energy, climate, circular economy, and renewable energy.

C4T GROUNDWORK has opened a new call for technical assistance to help public authorities prepare and implement cohesion policy investments under Policy Objective 2 (PO2) – A greener Europe. Applications are open until 11 September 2026.

The new call offers tailored expert support to EU Member States, regions and local authorities working to implement Cohesion Policy investments financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund under PO2.

Who can apply?

Managing and implementing authorities responsible for European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund programmes under PO2 can apply.

Other stakeholders involved in implementation of these investments may also apply if their proposed work is directly linked to the implementation of PO2 (current programmes 2021-2027). This includes environment, climate and energy agencies, local and regional authorities.

What support is available

C4T GROUNDWORK offers tailored expert support in key areas covered by PO2, including:

energy efficiency in enterprises, production processes and residential and public buildings

renewable energy production and distribution, including renewable energy communities

climate change adaptation, disaster-risk prevention and resilience, with a focus on ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions

smart energy systems, infrastructure and energy storage

water and sustainable water management, including drinking water, water resources and wastewater

circular economy and resource efficiency, including waste management, reuse and recycling

nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including Natura 2000 sites

Depending on the beneficiary’s needs, this may include support for project pipelines, project calls and prioritisation, implementation set-up, funding and co-funding options, financial instruments, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, cooperation with other regions and monitoring.

The European Commission will select around 12–15 beneficiaries under this call. After selection, the C4T Secretariat, the Commission and the beneficiaries will jointly define the scope and type of support needed. Support will be delivered in the first half of 2027.

Support will be tailored to each beneficiary. It may be delivered online, face to face or through a mix of formats, including workshops, expert meetings, peer learning, analysis, toolkits, guidance and training.

Previous C4T GROUNDWORK support

Demand for C4T GROUNDWORK support has continued to grow. The last two calls for technical assistance received more than 70 applications. In total, 36 regions from 14 countries were selected to benefit from tailored support.

Learn more in the C4T GROUNDWORK inspiration catalogue and the C4T GROUNDWORK factsheets.

Join the information session and question-and-answer session

An online information session for potential applicants will take place on 26 June 2026, 13.00–14.00 CET. Representatives of the European Commission and the C4T Secretariat will provide information about C4T GROUNDWORK and answer questions from applicants.

You are also invited to join the online question-and-answer session on 26 August 2026, 13.00–14.00 CET where you can ask questions about the application form and the types of technical assistance provided.

How to apply

Submit your application via this form in English or any official EU language. The deadline for applications is 11 September 2026 at 23.59 CET.

More information

For more information, contact the C4T Secretariat at secretariat@cohesion4transitions.eu.