Rail – studies, works or mixed

Worum geht es in dieser Ausschreibung?

The topic co-finances studies and works on core network rail infrastructure, especially cross-border and missing links and connections with ports and inland waterways. It is open to legal entities from Member States eligible for the Cohesion Fund, and no consortium is required.

Was fördert diese Ausschreibung?

Scope

The topic funds studies and works that develop rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network. It belongs to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport Cohesion envelope, so only applicants from Member States eligible for the Cohesion Fund can submit proposals. Projects located on the extended core network are not eligible.

Eligible activities

• Construction or upgrading of cross-border and missing rail links.
• Interconnections between rail and other modes of transport, namely inland waterway and maritime transport, including port hinterland connections.
• Projects integrating the high-speed rail and air networks so as to make the feeder network for long-haul flights more sustainable.

Priority is given to projects that advance high-speed rail in line with the Commission communication on high-speed rail. Where relevant, proposals may also include additional investment to adapt or upgrade the infrastructure to climate change, natural disasters or cyber security threats. A proposal combining studies and works must address different sections or activities for each component.

Exclusions from support

Railway stations are not supported, except for railway infrastructure components, which must be a separate work package. Trackside ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, Class A radio communication (5G/FRMCS/GSM-R), Class B systems and rolling stock are also excluded.

Requirements for projects

Projects must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/797 on rail interoperability and the related Technical Specifications for Interoperability, and, where relevant, be compatible with the alignment of operating procedures across borders. Infrastructure supported under CEF must be accessible to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.

Project size and grant limits

Applicants are strongly encouraged to request an EU contribution of at least €1,000,000 and to group related projects where possible. The maximum EU contribution per grant agreement is €30,000,000 for a project in one Member State, €70,000,000 for two Member States and €100,000,000 for more than two Member States; larger requests are ineligible.

Eligible costs

The grant is a budget-based actual cost grant covering personnel, subcontracting, purchase costs, studies, synergetic elements, works in outermost regions, land purchases and indirect costs. Travel and subsistence is claimed at actual cost. Subcontracted work must be performed in eligible or target countries. Project management costs should not exceed 10% of total project costs. Financial support to third parties is not allowed.

Wann endet die Einreichungsfrist?

6. Oktober 2026

6 October 2026, 17:00:00 CET (Brussels). Proposals are submitted electronically through the Funding and Tenders Portal. The indicative timetable foresees evaluation from October 2026 to March 2027, results in April 2027 and grant agreement signature in May or June 2027.