Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund

Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-11 08:07

The Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund finances projects that address the key challenges facing the Baltic Sea.

Source: https://www.nefco.int/financing/other-regions/baltic-sea-action-plan-fund/

Funding Details

Funder

Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO)

Funding Goal

Finance early-stage projects that address key environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea, including eutrophication, biodiversity loss, marine pollution (including marine litter and microplastics), hazardous substances, and sustainable fisheries. The Fund facilitates preparation and implementation of demonstration projects that can be replicated and scaled across the Baltic Sea region.

Funding Amount

Project-specific; historically EUR 1.3 million total distributed across 8 projects in one annual round. Individual project amounts vary; previous rounds show multiple grants in the range of tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand EUR.

Deadline

Annual, typically February-April (2025 round deadline was 18 April 2025; 2026 round expected similar period) (periodic)

How to Apply

Applicants submit proposals through NEFCO. A new call for proposals is opened annually. Contact Dennis Hamro-Drotz at bsapfund@nefco.int or dennis.hamro-drotz@nefco.int. Application form available via NEFCO contact channels. Two-stage interest: contributors can also contact to donate to the Fund.

Target Region

Baltic Sea region — 8 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden. Cross-border projects prioritised.

Contact

Dennis Hamro-Drotz, Acting Head of Department, Special Funds. Tel: +358 10 6180 607. Email: dennis.hamro-drotz@nefco.int. General: bsapfund@nefco.int

Last Checked

2026-05-07 05:00

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a private or public sector entity (companies, municipalities, NGOs, research organisations)
• Project must be located in or directly benefit the Baltic Sea catchment area (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden)

Project Scope

• Project must address HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan priorities (eutrophication, biodiversity, marine litter, hazardous substances, etc.)
• Focus on early-stage/demonstration projects with replicability and scalability potential
• Cross-boundary projects are encouraged

Required Documents

• Contact NEFCO's Special Funds team to discuss project concept before applying

Constraints

• Annual application round — check NEFCO website for current call opening

Summary

The Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund (BSAP Fund) is an early-stage financing mechanism established in 2010 by Sweden and Finland, administered by NEFCO and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), dedicated to accelerating implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). Its primary objective is to facilitate and accelerate the preparation and implementation of projects addressing key environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea. Thematically, the Fund addresses eutrophication, biodiversity conservation, marine pollution (including marine litter, microplastics, and hazardous substances), shipping impacts, and fisheries sustainability. The updated 2021 BSAP includes nearly 200 actions, with newer themes including marine litter, pharmaceuticals, underwater noise, and seabed disturbance. Approximately 80% of funded projects address biodiversity conservation or pollution prevention. Eligible activities include early-stage project preparation, feasibility testing, evaluation of replicability and scalability, and assessment of financial viability. The Fund provides demonstration financing that enables projects to test solutions and generate transferable lessons for other regions. Historical projects have covered nutrient recycling, manure management, small-scale sanitation plants, wastewater treatment, controlled drainage, wetland restoration, and microplastics filtration technology. Geographically, the Fund covers the Baltic Sea region across 8 catchment countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden. Cross-boundary projects are actively encouraged given the transboundary nature of Baltic Sea environmental challenges. Both private and public sector entities are eligible to apply, including NGOs, companies, municipalities, and research organisations. There is no explicit requirement for consortium structure, but collaboration across countries is common. The Fund welcomes new donor contributions from interested parties. Funding amounts are not fixed per project. The 2025 round distributed EUR 1.3 million across 8 projects. The Fund generates approximately 7x additional co-investments alongside its grants. Applications are accepted annually, typically with a February-to-April submission window.

Historical Context

The BSAP Fund was established in 2010 by Sweden and Finland to accelerate implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. More than 74 projects financed as of end 2023 across 8 Baltic Sea countries. Generates 7x additional investments from BSAP Fund financing. Also receives contributions from the Nordic Environmental Development Fund (NMF). Co-managed by NEFCO and Nordic Investment Bank (NIB). Most financed projects involve nutrient recycling, manure management, sanitation plants, wastewater treatment, alternative fuels, or harbour wastewater facilities. In 2025, a record number of applications was received; EUR 1.3 million distributed across 8 new projects for 2026.

Sources

• https://www.nefco.int/financing/other-regions/baltic-sea-action-plan-fund/

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