DBU funding for international projects

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The DBU funds innovative, solution-oriented projects with the goal of protecting the environment. These projects either fall under the DBU’s 12 funding topics or receive “open-topic” project funding. Project proposals submitted by or together with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are given special consideration.

In addition to projects in Germany, the DBU also funds international projects within a limited scope, and up to now primarily projects in Central and (South) Eastern Europe (CEE).

Funding for international projects outside of CEE is also possible on a case-by-case basis.

International projects funded by the DBU are primarily carried out abroad; and partners in these countries must be substantially involved.

Projects falling under the 12 funding topics as well as open-topic projects are eligible for funding. In addition to funding for individual and cooperation projects, the DBU also offers fellowships for university graduates as part of its CEE Fellowship Programme. 

Requests for project funding may initially take the form of a project outline (you can find a form for your outline here), which you can upload on the DBU online application platform. If your project is eligible for funding in principle, you will be asked to submit a full proposal.

We are happy to advise you before you submit your application. For an initial consultation, please contact the responsible contact person.

You can find more information on the criteria for international project funding here.

Contact persons
For projects in the CEE countries or regions Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Kaliningrad Oblast, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, countries of the former Yugoslavia, Albania:
Claudia Domel



For projects in the CEE countries Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia:
Romana Cermanová



For projects outside of CEE:
  • Education and Communication:
    Dr. Alexander Bittner
  • Conservation, Bodies of Water and Environmental Research:
    Dr. Volker Wachendörfer
  • Environmental Technology:
    Dr. Jörg Lefèvre