SMART ERA – SMART community-led transition for Europe’s Rural Areas, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, has launched its second Open Call, inviting rural communities across Europe to join a growing movement for locally driven innovation and sustainable development.
The project focuses on revitalising rural landscapes through smart innovation packages designed to combat depopulation and address socio-economic and environmental challenges. Bringing together 25 partners from 10 European countries, including several EUSAIR countries, SMART ERA aims to strengthen rural areas by reducing vulnerabilities while attracting talent, investment and new development opportunities.
2nd Open Call for Followers Micro-Pilots under the SMART ERA project will remain open until 15 September 2026 (13:00 CEST) and will support up to four Follower Micro-Pilots willing to adopt and implement the methodologies, tools and approaches developed by SMART ERA.
Successful applicants will receive up to EUR 90,000 in funding and participate in a 12-month mentoring and support programme.
Full details, eligibility criteria and application guidelines are available on the project website: SMART ERA – Your community, our future
Join the Open Call Webinar
Applicants looking to strengthen their proposals and clarify any remaining questions are invited to join the SMART ERA Open Call Webinar 2, a dedicated Q&A session providing practical guidance on the application process.
📅 8 September 2026, 🕛 12:00–13:00 CEST
Register here: SMART ERA 2nd OC 2nd webinar