Reshape Our role in Nature: CBE JU Call 2025

Do you have eco-anxiety?

Have you ever experienced an emotional response to climate change and environmental destruction? This feeling—often called eco-anxiety—is increasingly common. I know it well because, for a long time, I felt stuck in it. 

It seemed to me that the linear “take, make, dispose” production model was drawing an ever-growing line between humanity and nature. This model treats humans as external to the natural world, perpetuating a relationship of extraction and exploitation: Nature provides, and we take. But this perspective not only oversimplifies the complexity of ecosystems – it also actively accelerates their depletion, undermining the very foundations of life on Earth. 

For a long time, I believed this extractive system—and the eco-anxiety that came with it—was inescapable. It felt like humanity was doomed to be a destructive force, locked in a toxic relationship with nature that could never be repaired. 

Then, everything shifted. I had an aha moment while reading Let’s Become Fungal by Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez. She describes how traditional communities across the world have long practiced ecosystem stewardship. By carefully monitoring environmental imbalances—such as the overgrowth of a particular species of edible plants —these communities intervene selectively, harvesting excess populations to restore equilibrium. This practice not only ensures their own subsistence but also enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. 

That realization changed everything for me. It showed me that reshaping our relationship with nature is possible.

Sustainability isn’t just about minimizing harm...

It is about actively participating in nature’s cycles in a way that regenerates rather than depletes. This is where the circular and regenerative economy comes in. Instead of the linear "take, make, dispose" model, this paradigm fosters reciprocity, where resources are used, restored, and reintegrated into natural and human-made cycles. It goes beyond reducing impact—it embeds human activity within the web of life, emphasizing resilience, biodiversity, and mutual regeneration. 

Reshaping our role in nature requires a fundamental shift in how we approach sustainability and economic practices. This includes adopting regenerative agriculture, applying circular design principles, and incorporating ecological metrics into innovation to ensure that bio-based solutions support ecosystem health. In this transition, CBE JU and its upcoming 2025 Call for Proposals mark an important first step. 

The role of the CBE JU in advancing a circular and regenerative economy 

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking is a strategic partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). Its overarching mission is to catalyse the transition to a circular bioeconomy by funding cutting-edge projects that align with Europe’s Green Deal objectives. 

Distinctively, the CBE JU adopts a systems-oriented approach that spans the entire bio-based value chain. From the sustainable sourcing of raw materials to the development of innovative bio-based products and their end-of-life biodegradability or recyclability, the CBE JU embodies a comprehensive vision for sustainability. By fostering synergies between academia, industry, and policymakers, it seeks to build a resilient and inclusive bio-based economy. 

Key Themes in the 2025 Call for Proposals 

The 2025 Call for Proposals (HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025) introduces a spectrum of funding opportunities aimed at driving transformative innovations in the bioeconomy. Key thematic priorities include: 

Why the 2025 Call Is a Pivotal Moment 

Europe is grappling with interrelated crises—from biodiversity loss and resource depletion to the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges necessitate systemic solutions that not only mitigate harm but actively restore ecological balance. The bioeconomy’s potential to decouple economic growth from resource consumption positions it as a crucial lever for achieving this transformation. 

The 2025 Call for Proposals represents a decisive opportunity for innovative organizations to contribute to this paradigm shift. By prioritizing projects that align with principles of regeneration, circularity, and inclusivity, the CBE JU is creating a platform for systemic change. 

Strategic Guidance for Potential Applicants 

The CBE JU’s 2025 Call for Proposals is more than just an opportunity for funding—it is an invitation to redefine our relationship with nature and drive the transition towards a sustainable future. If you are ready to lead this transformation, now is the time to take action. 

Any organization or legal entity—including universities, research institutes, industries, SMEs, and NGOs—based in a Member State of the European Union or an associated country to Horizon Europe is eligible to apply. However, be sure to submit your application before the deadline on 17 September 2025 to be considered. 

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