Rail – studies, works or mixed

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

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. Public and private legal entities in EU Member States and CEF-associated countries can apply, without a consortium.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Scope

The topic funds studies and works that develop rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network, within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport general envelope for core network projects. 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. 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 presented as a separate work package. Support is also excluded for trackside ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings and Class A radio communication (5G/FRMCS/GSM-R), for Class B systems, and for rolling stock.

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. Proposals should describe complementarities with projects supported by other EU programmes.

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 and indirect costs. Travel and subsistence is claimed at actual cost and equipment at full 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.

Quando scade il bando?

6 ottobre 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.