This Cities Mission call advances circular logistics solutions in cities. It is an Innovation Action. In addition, three projects are expected.
About the Circular Logistics Call
Urban freight adds traffic, noise and emissions to city streets. Circular logistics reduces waste and reuses resources across the supply chain. Furthermore, cargo bikes and shared hubs can cut delivery impacts. As a result, the call suits urban logistics innovators, which are also an EIT Urban Mobility priority. Explore more smart city funding opportunities on the UTA funding page.
Who Can Apply to the Circular Logistics Call
Consortia must involve multiple cities from different countries. In addition, at least one partner must be a Cities Mission city. Therefore, logistics companies should partner with cities.
Focus Areas and Funding
Three projects of about €7.5m each are expected. Moreover, projects should show measurable environmental and economic benefits. In short, applicants should align their project closely with the expected outcomes and impact described in the call text.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Call: Supporting the implementation of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission (HORIZON-MISS-2027-04)
- Topic ID: HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-CCRI-04, a joint topic with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative
- Type of action: Innovation Action (IA), funded as a lump sum grant
- Topic budget: €22.5 million, with around €7.5 million per project
- Expected number of grants: 3
- Submission: single stage, opening 9 February 2027 and closing 7 October 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time
- Target maturity: TRL 7–8 by the end of the project
Expected Outcomes
- Urban freight and logistics move faster towards a circular economy.
- Logistics operators adopt modular loading units and reusable transport packaging.
- Reverse logistics becomes part of urban logistics models, raising reuse and recycling.
- Material use and carbon footprint fall.
- Cities, logistics providers, retailers and consumers cooperate more closely on circular business models.
What Proposals Must Cover
- Projects design modular, reusable and recyclable packaging and loading units in line with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
- They build digital tracking and optimisation tools using IoT, edge computing, AI and data spaces.
- Co-design with stakeholders uses parcel lockers and micro-hubs for returns and the collection of used items.
- Real-world pilots run in at least two urban environments, each covering at least two types of goods, such as textiles or electronics.
- At least three cities from three different Member States or Associated Countries must be beneficiaries, and at least one must be a Mission city.
- Projects build on CCRI and DUT work, cluster with each other and work with the Mission Platform through CIVITAS and the CCRI.
- Entities controlled by China cannot take part.
Source: the official topic page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, checked on 16 October 2026.
Why the Circular Logistics Call Matters
For innovators, the circular logistics opportunity can unlock funding, partners and first customers at the same time. In addition, it gives companies visibility with cities and investors across Europe. Successful projects often become references that open new markets. However, competition is strong, so a clear impact story matters. That is why UTA connects innovators with cities and research partners well before deadlines. Moreover, our network helps teams test their ideas against real urban challenges. As a result, members can build stronger proposals and turn funding into lasting growth.
Deadline and How to Apply
The call opens on 9 February 2027 and closes on 7 October 2027. Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. For this reason, start building your city consortium now. Read the full details on the official call page. Urban Technology Alliance can also connect you with UTA innovators. Contact us to discuss a consortium for this call.