Rail – studies, works or mixed

CEF 2 Transport call 'Rail – studies, works or mixed' CEF-T-2026 finances works and/or studies to develop rail infrastructure on the TEN-T core network, prioritising cross-border missing links, multimodal interconnections and integration of high-speed rail feeder links. Indicative call budget is €260,000,000 with maximum EU contribution per project up to €100,000,000 and co-financing rates up to 85 percent for Cohesion Fund beneficiaries; submission deadline is 6 October 2026 via the Funding and Tenders Portal. Eligible applicants are legal entities established in Member States eligible under the Cohesion envelope and the call accepts single-beneficiary or consortium proposals, while ineligible activities include standalone stations, track-side ERTMS Class A, electronic interlockings, Class B systems and rolling stock. Projects must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/797, provide required annexes such as a cost-benefit analysis and environmental compliance file, and demonstrate maturity and non-discriminatory access to infrastructure.

What it funds

Scope highlights

Works and/or studies to develop rail infrastructure on the TEN-T core network:construction or upgrading of cross-border and missing links; interconnections between rail and inland waterway or maritime modes (including port hinterland connections); projects integrating high-speed rail and air feeder networks. Priority for high-speed rail. Exclusions: standalone railway stations (only infrastructure components eligible), track-side ERTMS deployment/electronic interlockings/Class A radio components, Class B systems and rolling stock. Proposals combining studies and works must address different sections or activities. Facilities must be accessible non-discriminatorily.

Total call budget:€260,000,000.00

1. 1Project location: only TEN-T core network (extended core not eligible).
2. 2Eligible activities: studies, works, or mixed addressing rail infrastructure as described above.
3. 3Mandatory compliance: Directive (EU) 2016/797 and related TSI; environmental and permitting requirements; accessibility and interoperability.

Who can apply

Legal entities (public or private bodies) established in countries eligible for Cohesion Fund participation; international organisations may participate. Natural persons are not eligible except self-employed where national law permits. Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register and pass legal and financial validation. Subcontractors and associated partners may participate in non-funded roles.

Funding details and limits

Grants are budget‑based reimbursing eligible actual costs. Maximum funding rates up to 85% depending on project type and conditions. Maximum EU contribution per grant: €30,000,000 for projects in one Member State; €70,000,000 for two Member States; €100,000,000 for more than two Member States. Applicants are encouraged to request at least €1,000,000 of EU contribution where possible.

Deadlines and submission:single-stage electronic submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; use the application templates and annexes (detailed budget per WP, CBA where required, environmental compliance file, letters of support from Member State(s), timetable/Gantt). See topic page for the submission entry and full call documentation Topic page ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Full call document, templates and submission are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal topic page: ec.europa.eu

Call and Administrative Details

Call title:CEF 2 Transport - Projects on the Core Network - Cohesion envelope. Topic identifier: CEF-T-2026. Managing agency: European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Call opening date: 18 June 2026. Submission deadline: 6 October 2026, 17:00 CET (Brussels). Submission channel: electronic submission only via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System.

Available budget:Total indicative budget for this topic: €260,000,000 (2026) ¹.

Objective and Scope

Objective:develop rail transport infrastructure projects located on the TEN-T core network. Scope: works and/or studies related to construction or upgrading of cross-border and missing links; interconnections between rail and other transport modes (inland waterways and maritime transport including port hinterland connections); projects aimed at integrating high-speed rail and air networks to improve sustainability of feeder networks for long-haul flights. Priority will be given to high-speed rail projects aligned with the Commission communication on high-speed rail (COM(2025)903 final).

Exclusions and technical constraints:support will not be given to railway stations except for rail infrastructure components (which must be presented as a separate work package), nor to track-side ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings and/or Class A radio communication components (5G/FRMCS/GSM-R). Activities related to Class B systems and rolling stock are not eligible. Projects must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/797 and related Technical Specifications for Interoperability; where relevant, projects must be compatible with alignment of operating procedures across borders. Mixed proposals that combine studies and works must have distinct sections/activities for each component. CEF-supported facilities must be accessible to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis. For this call, projects on the extended core network are not eligible.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants:legal entities (public or private bodies) established in eligible countries for the Cohesion envelope. Natural persons are not eligible except self-employed sole traders where national law does not create a separate legal personality. International organisations are eligible. Entities without legal personality may exceptionally participate if their representatives can take legal obligations on their behalf and provide equivalent guarantees. EU bodies (except the European Commission Joint Research Centre) cannot be beneficiaries. Specific lists of eligible countries are those Member States eligible for Cohesion Fund funding under the call (applicants must check the Call document for the precise list).

1. 1Eligible applicant types: public authorities, national/regional/local administrations, public bodies, private companies (SMEs and large enterprises), research organisations and universities, non-profit organisations, international organisations, project promoters and legal entities representing infrastructure owners/operators.
2. 2Entities from other countries may be exceptionally eligible if their participation is essential for projects of common interest or cross-border projects, subject to call conditions.
3. 3Natural persons: not eligible unless self-employed/sole trader where no separate legal personality exists.

Required Consortium Composition and Participation Model

Consortium requirement:the call accepts single-beneficiary proposals and multi-beneficiary consortia. There is no mandatory multi-country consortium requirement; however for cross-border sections, joint applications or demonstrable strong coordination between Member States is strongly recommended and may influence scoring under award criteria. Affiliated entities, associated partners, subcontractors and other supporting roles are allowed in accordance with the Call document. Affiliates must be validated and their affiliation documented.

Funding Modality and Rates

Funding type:budget-based action grants (EU action grants). The grant will reimburse eligible actual costs per the Model Grant Agreement; funding rates depend on cost categories and call rules. The maximum project funding rate is up to 85% of eligible costs where applicable; specific rates and ceilings are fixed in the Grant Agreement Data Sheet and follow CEF rules.

Project Types, Stages and Expected Maturity

Target project stage:works (construction/upgrading) and studies (with or without physical intervention). Expected maturity: proposals should demonstrate sufficient maturity in planning, permitting and procurement preparedness to justify proposed timelines. Award criterion explicitly assesses maturity: readiness to start, contracting procedures and permits status, and availability of complementary financing. For works above the €10,000,000 threshold (work component), a full Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is required; below that threshold a simplified CBA calculator is required.

Geographic and Network Scope

Beneficiary scope (geographic eligibility):applicants must be established in Member States eligible for Cohesion Fund funding under the Cohesion envelope of this CEF call. Projects must be located on the TEN-T core network (projects located on the extended core network are not eligible for this call). The Call document contains the precise eligible Member State list and target countries. Cross-border projects spanning eligible Member States are a priority and may access higher funding rates where applicable.

Mentioned countries / region:The call references Member States eligible for Cohesion Fund funding (Cohesion envelope), i.e. Cohesion Fund eligible Member States; applicants must consult the Call document for the exact list of eligible countries. The call is for projects on the TEN-T core network (EU core network), not extended core.

Application Process and Timetable

Application type:open call for proposals, single-stage submission. Submission: online via Funding & Tenders Portal only. Applicants must register participants and obtain PICs via the Participant Register. Part A (administrative) is filled online; Part B (technical description) is uploaded as a PDF using the mandatory template from the Submission System. Mandatory annexes must be uploaded in the specified slots.

1. 1Submission deadline: 06 October 2026, 17:00 CET.
2. 2Submission procedure: single-stage (applicants submit a full proposal once).
3. 3Post-submission evaluation phases: individual evaluation by external experts, consensus phase, and panel review, followed by ranking and invitation to grant preparation.
4. 4Grant preparation and checks: legal entity validation, financial capacity, exclusion checks, possible requirement for prefinancing guarantees or enhanced financial responsibility if financial capacity is insufficient.

Evaluation, Award Criteria and Process

Evaluation:proposals admitted and eligible will be evaluated by an evaluation committee assisted by independent experts. The award criteria and scoring determine selection. Individual thresholds per criterion and overall threshold must be met to be considered for funding.

Ranking tie-break:same-score proposals are prioritized by score on Priority and urgency, then Maturity, Catalytic effect, Impact, Quality, and then by recommended EU contribution ascending. Successful proposals are invited to grant preparation; invitation does not constitute a formal commitment until legal and financial checks are completed.

Financial and Administrative Requirements

Co-funding requirement:yes. Projects must demonstrate stable and sufficient resources to implement the project and provide the non-EU share. For-profit beneficiaries must declare revenues; grants must not produce a profit (surplus of revenues plus EU grant over costs will be deducted). Financial capacity checks apply (with exemptions for public bodies and projects under €60,000 per beneficiary). Operational capacity is assessed via the Quality award criterion using activity reports and lists of previous projects (last 4 years) unless exempted (public bodies, Member State organisations, international organisations, and CEF 1/2 beneficiaries).

Financial guarantees and payment:prefinancing will normally be paid (30 days after entry into force or after prefinancing guarantee provided if required). Prefinancing guarantee may be requested (normally from coordinator). Interim payments and final balance payment follow reporting and cost verification. Certificates (audit documents) may be required depending on grant amount and beneficiaries.

Application Content and Templates

Mandatory application components:Part A (administrative) completed online; Part B (technical description) using the downloadable template uploaded as PDF; mandatory annexes and supporting documents uploaded in the Submission System. Page limit for Part B: 120 pages. Required annexes include detailed budget table per WP (Excel), timetable/Gantt chart, letters of support/Member State agreements (to be signed by Member State(s) benefitting from the project), simplified or full CBA (depending on thresholds), environmental compliance file, list of previous projects, activity reports (unless exempt), and other annexes described in the Call document.

1. 1Application Form templates and annexes available in the Submission System: Standard application form (part B template), Detailed budget table per WP (Excel), Letter of support / Member State agreement template, Timetable (Gantt chart) template, Simplified CBA calculator, Full CBA cash flow template, Environmental compliance file template.
2. 2Applicants must use the templates provided in the Submission System (not only those on the Topic page which are for information).
3. 3Detailed budget table must be uploaded as an Excel file and must be consistent with the online summarised budget; online values prevail in case of discrepancies.

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Environmental Requirements

CBA requirement:works and mixed projects with work components whose total eligible costs exceed €10,000,000 must submit a full CBA (report and full cash flow template). Works and mixed projects with work components under €10,000,000 must submit the simplified CBA calculator. Environmental compliance: an Environmental Compliance File (ECF) is mandatory for all applications and must include the Environmental Compliance Questionnaire and relevant declarations (EIA, SEA, Habitats Directive/Natura 2000, Water Framework Directive compliance).

Project Duration and Key Deadlines

Maximum project duration:for studies the normal maximum end date is 31/12/2029; for works 31/12/2030 (these are nominal maxima described in the Call document). The project start date and duration will be agreed in the Grant Agreement and normally the start is after grant signature unless retroactive start is justified (not earlier than proposal submission date).

Nature of Support and Payment Details

Nature of support:monetary grant funding (budget-based actual cost reimbursement). Non-monetary support: applicants should prepare project communication, provide access to data and outputs as required; the grant includes obligations on dissemination and visibility but does not provide direct non-monetary services in the call specification. Financial support to third parties is not allowed under this call.

Application Stages, Evaluation Steps and Success Rates

Application stages:single-stage submission. Evaluation involves three internal phases: 1) individual expert evaluations, 2) consensus phase to agree scores, and 3) panel review which finalises ranking and recommendations. After evaluation there is grant preparation dialogue with the Agency. Number of formal application stages: 1 (single-stage submission) followed by a three-step evaluation process. Success rates: not provided in the Call document and depend on the number and quality of proposals received; no historical guaranteed success rate. Applicants should assume competitive selection and align proposals strongly with award criteria and call priorities.

Checks, Exclusions and Legal Requirements

Exclusion and eligibility checks:applicants must confirm compliance with eligibility, absence of exclusion grounds (bankruptcy, grave professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, money laundering, terrorism-related offences, non-compliance with EU restrictive measures or conditionality measures). Legal entity validation (LEAR appointment) and financial capacity checks occur during validation and grant preparation. Depending on the financial check, measures may be imposed such as joint and several liability, staged prefinancing or prefinancing guarantees.

Templates and How the Application Forms Look

Application templates and structure:Part A administrative screens are completed online in the Portal (General information, Participants, Budget, Other questions). Part B is a structured technical description template (Project description, Priority and urgency, Maturity, Quality, Impact including CBA, Catalytic effect, Work plan and Work packages, Annexes). Mandatory annex templates include detailed budget table per work package (Excel with start, work packages, participants sheets and consistency checks), timetable (Gantt chart template), Letter of support / Member State agreement template (Word), environmental compliance file template (Word) and CBA templates (simplified calculator and full cash flow Excel). The Portal enforces page limits (Part B max 120 pages), font and margin rules (A4, Arial >=9pt, margins >=15 mm).

1. 1Part A (online): administrative data, participant PICs, summarised budget; Part B: upload PDF using the provided Part B template.
2. 2Detailed budget table per WP: Excel file with sheets for Work packages, Participants, Detailed Budget table, Summaries and Consistency checks.
3. 3CBA templates: simplified CBA calculator for projects under threshold; full CBA cash flow Excel and standalone CBA report for larger works components.
4. 4Environmental Compliance File template: to be completed and uploaded (includes EIA/SEA/Habitats/Water Framework related declarations).
5. 5Letter of Support / Member State Agreement template: must be signed by Member States benefitting from the project and uploaded as part of the application.

Success Conditions and Practical Recommendations

Key practical obligations and recommendations:ensure registration in Participant Register and validation before submission; use templates provided in the Submission System; ensure detailed and consistent budgets (the online summarised budget prevails if discrepancies); prepare the Environmental Compliance File even for studies without physical intervention (mark as not applicable with justification if appropriate); include evidence of permits, procurement status and financial commitments to score well on Maturity; provide Member State letters of support where Member States benefit.

Quick Reference – Eligibility / Funding / Submission

Eligible applicant types:public bodies, private companies (SMEs and large enterprises), universities, research institutes, non-profits, international organisations, project promoters, affiliated entities. Funding type: grant (budget-based actual cost). Consortium: single beneficiary or consortium allowed. Geographic scope: Cohesion envelope Member States and projects on TEN-T core network only. Target sectors: rail infrastructure, multimodal interconnections, high-speed rail feeder integration. Project stage: development, construction/upgrade (works), studies and mixed. Indicative budget: €260,000,000. Application type: open call, single-stage submission via Funding & Tenders Portal. Nature of support: monetary grants; no financial support to third parties. Co-funding: required (applicant share) and mission-aligned co-financing expected.

Templates and Annexes (summary):Mandatory templates available in the Submission System: Application Form Part B (technical template), Detailed budget table per WP (Excel), Timetable/Gantt chart, Letter of support / Member State agreement, Simplified CBA calculator (for works < €10M), Full CBA cash flow template and standalone CBA report (for works >= €10M), Environmental Compliance File template, List of previous projects template, Activity reports (unless exempt).

Success Factors and Award Criteria Details

To maximise competitiveness:clearly demonstrate high EU added value and alignment with TEN-T core network and high-speed rail priorities; show project maturity with completed studies, permits, procurement milestones and secured complementary financing; prepare a robust technical and financial implementation plan with clear work packages, risk mitigation and procurement strategy; provide a comprehensive and verifiable CBA where required; explain catalytic effect and leverage of EU funds; obtain Member State support letters where appropriate; ensure environmental compliance and climate-proofing considerations.

Success Rate and Application Stages — Practical Interpretation

The call does not publish a historical success rate. Selection is competitive against defined award criteria. Application stages: single-stage submission; evaluation proceeds through three expert phases (individual, consensus, panel). Successful applicants proceed to grant preparation (legal and financial checks), which may require further information or amendments before signature.

Contacts and Help

Support contacts:CINEA-CEF-TRANSPORT-CALLS@ec.europa.eu for call-specific enquiries. IT Helpdesk for Portal technical issues. Consult the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual and Portal Topic Q&A for guidance and call updates. Use the Portal Topic page for call updates and official documents.

Concluding summary

This CEF Transport Cohesion envelope topic finances rail infrastructure studies, works or mixed projects strictly located on the TEN-T core network and aims to close cross-border missing links, improve multimodal interconnections and prioritise the deployment and integration of high-speed rail feeder links. It is a competitive EU grants call (budget-based actual cost grants) with an indicative budget of €260 million. Applicants must be legal entities established in Cohesion envelope eligible Member States, register and submit proposals via the Funding & Tenders Portal using the mandatory Part A/Part B templates and annexes (detailed budget per WP, CBA, environmental compliance file, Member State letters of support, timetable). The evaluation assesses Priority and urgency, Maturity, Quality, Impact and Catalytic effect. Projects must comply with interoperability and TEN-T rules, and activities such as track-side ERTMS Class A elements, electronic interlockings, Class B systems and rolling stock are not eligible. Large works components require full CBA; environmental and permitting status and financial readiness are critical for a positive maturity assessment. Successful proposals go through grant preparation with legal and financial validation before contract signature. Applicants should align their proposals to the award criteria, demonstrate readiness, secure co-funding, and provide required annexes to be competitive.

For the official topic page and all templates, use the Funding & Tenders Portal topic entry for CEF-T-2026 Topic page ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Official topic page and call documentation available at the Funding & Tenders Portal: ec.europa.eu

Call Objective and Scope

This call aims to develop rail transport infrastructure projects on the TEN-T core network, focusing on cross-border and missing links, interconnections with inland waterway and maritime transport (including port hinterland connections), and integration of high-speed rail with air networks to enhance sustainable feeder networks for long-haul flights ¹. Priority is given to projects fostering high-speed rail development aligned with the Commission communication COM(2025) 903 final ².

Key Eligible Activities:Construction/upgrading of cross-border and missing links; interconnections between rail and other modes (inland waterway, maritime, port hinterland); integration of high-speed rail and air networks ¹.

Ineligible Activities and Exclusions

Support is explicitly excluded for railway stations (except infrastructure components presented as separate work packages), track-side ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, Class A radio communication (5G/FRMCS/GSM-R), Class B systems, and rolling stock ¹. Projects must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/797 and Technical Specifications for Interoperability ³.

Eligibility and Applicant Profile

Applications are open to organizations based in EU Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund. Consortium participation is not required, allowing single-entity applications ¹. Entities from other countries may be exceptionally eligible if their participation is essential for cross-border projects of common interest ³.

Funding Details:Maximum EU contribution per project: €100 million. Co-financing rate up to 85% of total eligible costs for Cohesion Fund beneficiaries. Total call budget: €260 million ¹.

Project Duration and Deadlines

Maximum project duration is 3 years for works and mixed projects. The submission deadline is October 6, 2026, at 00:00 UTC. The submission session is now available via the Funding & Tenders Portal ¹.

1. 1Compliance with Directive (EU) 2016/797 and Technical Specifications for Interoperability
2. 2Non-discriminatory access for all operators to supported infrastructure
3. 3Separate work package presentation for railway infrastructure components if included
4. 4Alignment with cross-border operating procedures for effective infrastructure use

Application Process and Required Documents

Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System. Required documents include the Letter of Support (Member State Agreement), Timetable (Gantt Chart), Environmental Compliance File, Detailed Budget Table per Work Package, and Full CBA Cash Flow Template ³.

Footnotes

1. 1ScientifyRESEARCH: Rail – studies, works or mixed (cohesion fund envelope | Europe), scientifyresearch.org
2. 2Commission Communication COM(2025) 903 final of 5 November 2025 on high-speed rail, referenced in the call description.
3. 3Euro-Access: Rail – studies, works or mixed, euro-access.eu