Bioeconomy/Circularity: CBE JU's 2026 call draws 272 project proposals, far outstripping available budget

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has closed its 2026 call for proposals with strong participation. A total of 272 project proposals were submitted by the 22 September deadline, requesting a combined €1.65 billion in funding, according to a CBE JU announcement on 23 September 2026.

That demand vastly exceeds the €170.7 million actually available for the call, which was spread across 13 topics. The call, launched on 23 April 2026, targeted a wide range of the EU's bio-based economy, spanning biorefinery competitiveness, alternative feedstocks, circular packaging, bio-based chemicals and materials, sustainable textiles, and applications in food ingredients, agriculture and consumer.

Proposals were spread across the four types of action that CBE JU funds, with…