Big calls in the fall: What awaits us in EU funds until the end of 2025.
In the second half of 2025, we are expecting a series of strategically important calls announcing the intensification of investments in the economy, innovations, green and digital transition. Based on indicative call plans (PKK) and the Integrated Territorial Program (ITP), we have prepared an overview of the largest and most relevant calls planned for the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2025.
Below we present an overview of five key tenders that deserve special attention when planning project proposals for the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Innovation in the Industrial Transition Process – Phase II
Planned call launch: 20 November 2025
Call closing: 10 February 2026
Call type: Open (provisional)
Fund allocation: EUR 100,000,000.00
Grant intensity: up to 50% of eligible costs
General objective of the call:
Support for strategic innovation partnerships for the development of new products and services within the priority niches and regional value chains of Pannonian, Northern and Adriatic Croatia.
Specific objectives:
Development and strengthening of research and innovation capacities and application of advanced technologies.
Eligible applicants:
Entrepreneurs (consortium leader - large company or SME with headquarters or branch in a NUTS 2 region in industrial transition)
Acceptable activities:
- Research and development activities (industrial research, experimental development and feasibility study).
- Investment activities in infrastructure for testing and experimentation.
Note:
The call is implemented within the framework of the Integrated Territorial Programme (ITP), and is aimed at strengthening innovation capacities in regional economic systems, which makes it particularly relevant for entrepreneurs operating within defined thematic niches.
Development of tourism infrastructure and health and active tourism products
Planned call start: 1 October 2025
Call closing: 1 December 2025
Call type: Open (provisional)
Fund allocation: EUR 40,000,000.00
Grant intensity: up to 85% of eligible costs
General objective of the call:
Encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic and social development and social inclusion of the population through tourism, especially in areas that rely heavily on the tourism ecosystem by ensuring the infrastructure prerequisites for the development of new diversified tourism products and services based on the authenticity and traditional values of local communities
Specific objectives:
Strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation.
Eligible applicants:
Local government units (LGU)
Eligible activities:
- Renovation, reconstruction, conversion and construction of public tourism and sports infrastructure facilities
- Procurement of equipment and digital tools for the development of new business models
- Preparation of studies, analyses and other necessary documentation and other supporting activities.
Note:
The call contributes to the achievement of the goals of green and digital transition through sustainable models of tourism resource management and the development of infrastructure focused on health, active living and local specificities.
Investments by small, medium and large entrepreneurs in the transition to a circular economy
Planned start of the call: 31 October 2025
Closing of the call: 31 January 2026
Type of call: Open (provisional)
Fund allocation: EUR 16,300,000.00
Intensity of support: up to 75% of eligible costs
General objective of the call:
To encourage the economy to transition towards more sustainable and efficient business models through the development of products and services that support the circular economy and reduce negative environmental impact.
Eligible applicants:
Small, medium and large enterprises
Eligible activities:
Investments by small, medium and large entrepreneurs in the transition to a circular economy
Note:
This call represents an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to improve their production or service in the direction of reducing waste, increasing recycling, using secondary raw materials and generally becoming more resource-efficient.
Investment in RES for end-users (microsolars, heat pumps, etc.) for public institutions
Planned start of the call: 3 November 2025
Call type: Open (provisional)
Fund allocation: EUR 40,000,000.00
Aid intensity: up to 50% of eligible costs
General objective of the call:
Investment in increasing the capacity of production and use of energy from renewable sources.
- Eligible applicants:
- Public institutions
Eligible activities:
- Installation of micro-solar systems
- Installation of heat pumps
- Commissioning of systems
Note:
The call is an opportunity for public institutions to reduce energy costs while contributing to national and European energy and climate goals. The focus is on simple, efficient and quickly deployable technologies.
Investment in zero-emission road transport
Planned call start: Q4 2025
Call type: Public call - grants
Fund allocation: EUR 45,000,000
Support intensity: not specified (assumed up to 60–80% depending on the type of applicant - exact call pending)
General objective of the call:
Investment in zero-emission vehicles for users who drive high mileage vehicles for work.
Eligible applicants:
- taxi operators
- delivery vehicle owners
- delivery vehicle owners and car-sharing or bike-sharing scheme providers
Note:
The call is particularly relevant for transport and logistics entities that want to modernize their fleet, achieve significant savings in fuel costs and actively contribute to climate neutrality goals.
The reviewed calls confirm that autumn 2025 will be a very dynamic and strategically important year for all stakeholders considering EU funding. The focus is clearly on projects that contribute to industrial transition, sustainability, circular economy, renewable energy sources and local capacity development. Calls with high allocations and broad applicability, from entrepreneurs and consortia to local governments and public institutions, stand out in particular. These are opportunities that require timely preparation, strategic partnership and clearly defined objectives.
