From ideas to action: discover what happened during the 2nd SoS2LearnDBS Transition Agenda Info Session

On 28 October 2026, the SoS2LearnDBS consortium hosted the 2nd Information Session on the Transition Agenda Open Call 1, under the theme“From Ideas to Action: How to Develop a Strong Transition Agenda Proposal”.

Building on the first webinar, which introduced the call conditions and application requirements, the second session adopted a more practical approach to help prospective applicants turn their initial ideas into clear, evidence-based and locally grounded Transition Agenda proposals.

From a local challenge to a strategic roadmap

The session started with a brief overview of the SoS2LearnDBS project and the main conditions of the Transition Agenda Open Call 1, including the available funding, eligible consortia, target regions and application deadline.

Participants were reminded that a Transition Agenda is a multi-year strategic planning and governance instrument, rather than a construction or physical restoration project. Its purpose is to define how a community can move from the current situation towards long-term change through stakeholder commitments, improved coordination, policy action and future investment pathways.

The session then provided practical guidance on:

  • Aligning proposals with the objectives of the EU Mission“Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”;
  • Selecting and justifying the relevant Danube–Black Sea regional priority pillar;
  • Defining a clear target area and geographic scope;
  • Using existing baseline evidence to describe local challenges;
  • Identifying information gaps and explaining how the Transition Agenda will address them;
  • Involving relevant authorities, organisations, businesses, researchers and citizens in co-creation;
  • Defining measurable objectives and KPIs;
  • Developing a realistic roadmap with a route towards institutional adoption and future financing.

Defining the target area and using evidence

A dedicated technical contribution explored how applicants can connect a specific water-related challenge with the territory, communities and institutions capable of shaping a response.

Participants were encouraged to define a geographic scope that reflects the environmental challenge and relevant decision-making context. Depending on the proposal, this may correspond to a water body, sub-basin, wetland, coastal area or another connected territory, rather than following administrative boundaries alone.

The session also highlighted the importance of using existing evidence, including river basin management plans, monitoring results, ecological status information, regional studies, local plans and community knowledge. Applicants should explain where and when the data apply, what the available evidence can demonstrate, and which information gaps remain.

An interactive reflection on common challenges

Participants were invited to reflect on three practical questions that may arise when developing a Transition Agenda:

  • What makes it difficult to define the target area?
  • Which evidence gaps could affect the description of the local challenge?
  • What should the Transition Agenda help the community achieve first?

The exercise explored issues such as matching environmental and administrative boundaries, identifying affected communities, accessing information at the appropriate spatial scale, strengthening coordination between local actors, securing institutional commitment and establishing future investment pathways.

The activity demonstrated that these challenges can be addressed together through a roadmap that clearly identifies the necessary steps, responsible stakeholders and expected outcomes.

Application documents and support resources

The session also guided participants through the main application documents, including:

  • The Call Conditions;
  • The Guidelines for Developing a Transition Agenda;
  • The Technical Annex;
  • The Budget Template;
  • The Online Application Form.

Applicants were encouraged to consult the official documents carefully, start preparing their submission in advance and ensure consistency across all parts of the application.

The consortium also presented the Danube & Black Sea Restoration Community on BlueActionMatch. The community provides a dedicated space where organisations can introduce their expertise, share ideas, look for potential consortium partners and connect with other stakeholders working on aquatic ecosystem restoration.

Watch the recording

Applicants should note that the webinar and presentation are provided for support and information purposes. The official Call Conditions, Guidelines for Developing a Transition Agenda and application documents contain the complete and binding requirements of the call.

Continue the conversation on BlueActionMatch

Prospective applicants are invited to join the Danube & Black Sea Restoration Community to:

  • Introduce their organisation and expertise;
  • Present an initial Transition Agenda idea;
  • Find potential partners;
  • Ask for complementary expertise;
  • Access relevant call information and resources;
  • Exchange knowledge with other organisations across the region.

Join the Danube & Black Sea Restoration Community

Applications for the SoS2LearnDBS Transition Agenda Open Call 1 must be submitted by:

11 December 2026 at 17:00 CET / Brussels time

All call documents, templates, FAQs and submission information are available on the official call page:

Explore the Transition Agenda Open Call 1

Questions about the call may be submitted to:

sosdbs@inova.business

Several SoS2LearnDBS partners will also organise local information sessions in national languages. Follow the project’s communication channels for upcoming dates and updates.

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