Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund Allocates EUR 1.3 Million to Eight New Environmental Projects Following Record Application Round

Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund Allocates EUR 1.3 Million to Eight New Environmental Projects Following Record Application Round

(IN BRIEF) The BSAP Fund will invest EUR 1.3 million in eight new projects beginning in 2026 to improve the environmental health of the Baltic Sea. The funding follows a record 39 applications from seven countries and will support initiatives addressing water quality, nutrient control, wetland restoration, pollution assessment, and marine waste reduction. Led by a mix of private and public organisations, the projects are designed to deliver regional ecological benefits across Baltic coastal states.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 19-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund (BSAP Fund) has announced funding for eight new environmental initiatives set to launch in 2026, following an unprecedented level of interest in its latest call for proposals. A total of EUR 1.3 million will be distributed to the selected projects, all aimed at improving the ecological condition of the Baltic Sea.

The spring 2025 application round attracted 39 submissions from organisations across seven countries, marking the highest number of proposals the Fund has received to date. After evaluation by the steering committee, eight projects were chosen for their potential to address key environmental pressures affecting the region.

The funded initiatives will tackle a variety of challenges, including enhanced water-quality monitoring, better nutrient management practices, wetland restoration, assessments of hazardous substances, and efforts to reduce waste generated by net-cutting and related marine activities. Together, these measures are expected to support healthier marine ecosystems and deliver benefits to communities throughout the Baltic Sea basin.

Dennis Hamro-Drotz, Acting Head of Department at Nefco and Manager of the BSAP Fund, noted that the record number of applications reflects strong engagement from both public and private sectors. He added that financial contributions from Finland, Sweden, and the Nordic Council of Ministers enable the Fund to continue supporting initiatives that protect the Baltic Sea and enhance the wellbeing of populations in surrounding regions.

Most of the selected projects are led by private companies, alongside non-governmental organisations, international bodies, and one municipal authority. Implementation will take place across several Baltic Sea countries, with outcomes expected to provide cross-border environmental benefits. While some initiatives have already begun preparatory activities, all projects are scheduled to be underway before the end of 2026.

About the BSAP Fund

The Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund is an early-stage financing mechanism dedicated to accelerating the implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. It supports the preparation and launch of projects that tackle key environmental challenges in the region. The fund, co-managed by Nefco and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), was established by Sweden and Finland in 2010 and has since then provided EUR 16 million to over 80 projects across the Baltic Sea countries.

Read more about the BSAP Fund

Media Contact:

Dennis Hamro-Drotz
Acting Head of Department and BSAP Fund Manager, Nefco
dennis.hamro-drotz@nefco.int
+358 10 6180 641

SOURCE: Nefco