Deadline: 06-Oct-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications to support the development of rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network across Europe. The call has a total available funding of €350,000,000 and supports works and studies that improve rail connectivity, cross-border links, missing links, multimodal integration, port hinterland connections, and high-speed rail development.
Eligible projects must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/797 and the applicable Technical Specifications for Interoperability. Supported facilities and infrastructure must be accessible to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.
What is this European Commission Rail Infrastructure Call?
This European Commission call supports rail transport infrastructure projects on the TEN-T core network.
The funding is intended to improve connectivity, efficiency, interoperability, and integration across Europe’s rail transport system.
The call supports studies, works, or a combination of both where each component addresses separate sections or activities within the project.
Main Purpose of the Call
The main purpose of the call is to develop and modernise rail infrastructure on the TEN-T core network.
The programme aims to improve cross-border rail connections, close missing rail links, strengthen intermodal transport connections, and support more sustainable passenger and freight mobility.
Priority is given to projects that foster the development of high-speed rail.
Total Funding Available
The total available funding for this call is €350,000,000.
This funding supports eligible works and studies related to rail infrastructure development on the TEN-T core network.
Focus Areas and Priorities
The call focuses on rail infrastructure development and sustainable transport integration.
Key focus areas include:
- Rail infrastructure on the TEN-T core network
- Construction of cross-border rail links
- Upgrading of cross-border rail links
- Construction of missing rail links
- Upgrading of missing rail links
- High-speed rail development
- Interconnections between rail and inland waterways
- Interconnections between rail and maritime transport
- Port hinterland connections
- Integration of high-speed rail and air transport networks
- Feeder network development for long-haul flights
- Sustainable passenger mobility
- Sustainable freight mobility
- European rail interoperability
- Cross-border operational alignment
- Non-discriminatory access to rail infrastructure
Key Concepts Explained
TEN-T Core Network
The TEN-T core network is the central part of the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network.
It includes strategic transport corridors, railways, roads, inland waterways, ports, airports, and multimodal transport links that support mobility and trade across Europe.
This call focuses specifically on rail infrastructure located on the TEN-T core network.
Rail Infrastructure
Rail infrastructure includes the physical systems needed for rail transport.
This may include tracks, rail links, junctions, bridges, tunnels, access infrastructure, intermodal connections, and other components that allow passenger and freight trains to move efficiently.
Cross-Border Rail Links
Cross-border rail links connect rail systems between two or more countries.
These links are important for improving international passenger travel, freight movement, regional connectivity, and European transport integration.
Missing Rail Links
Missing rail links are gaps in the transport network that limit rail connectivity.
Constructing or upgrading these links can improve route continuity, reduce bottlenecks, and support more efficient movement across the TEN-T core network.
High-Speed Rail
High-speed rail refers to rail infrastructure that supports faster passenger services over medium and long distances.
This call gives particular priority to high-speed rail because it can provide a more sustainable alternative to short-haul flights and improve long-distance connectivity.
Port Hinterland Connections
Port hinterland connections are rail links between ports and inland areas.
These connections help move freight between maritime ports, logistics centres, inland terminals, and wider European transport corridors.
Rail Interoperability
Rail interoperability means that trains and rail systems can operate smoothly across different national networks.
Projects must comply with European interoperability rules to support seamless and efficient rail transport across borders.
What Types of Projects are Supported?
The call supports rail infrastructure projects that improve the TEN-T core network.
Eligible project types may include:
- Construction of new rail infrastructure
- Upgrading of existing rail infrastructure
- Cross-border rail link development
- Missing rail link construction
- High-speed rail infrastructure development
- Rail connections to inland waterways
- Rail connections to maritime transport systems
- Rail links serving ports and hinterland areas
- Rail-air transport integration projects
- Feeder rail connections for long-haul flights
- Studies related to eligible rail infrastructure works
- Works related to eligible rail infrastructure development
Projects should clearly show how they improve connectivity, efficiency, interoperability, and sustainability.
Support for Studies and Works
The call supports both studies and works.
Studies may be used to prepare, assess, or design eligible rail infrastructure development.
Works may include construction, upgrading, or implementation of eligible rail infrastructure components.
When a proposal combines studies and works, each component must address separate sections or activities.
This means the study component and the works component should not duplicate the same project activity.
Compliance Requirements
All projects must comply with European railway interoperability requirements.
Applicants must ensure compliance with:
- Directive (EU) 2016/797
- Applicable Technical Specifications for Interoperability
Where relevant, projects must also support alignment of cross-border operational procedures.
This helps ensure that supported infrastructure can be used efficiently across national borders.
Non-Discriminatory Access Requirement
Facilities and infrastructure supported under this call must be accessible to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.
This means the funded infrastructure should not unfairly restrict access to one operator or selected users.
Applicants should explain how access will be fair, open, transparent, and consistent with applicable rules.
Activities Not Eligible for Funding
The call excludes several activities from funding.
Ineligible activities include:
- Railway stations, except specific railway infrastructure components presented as separate work packages
- Trackside ERTMS deployment
- Electronic interlockings
- Class A radio communication systems, including 5G
- Future Railway Mobile Communication System
- GSM-R systems
- Class B systems
- Rolling stock
Applicants should ensure that their budget does not include these ineligible activities.
Railway Station Restrictions
Railway stations are generally not supported under this call.
However, specific railway infrastructure components related to stations may be eligible if they are presented as separate work packages.
Applicants should clearly separate eligible rail infrastructure components from general station-related costs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include public and private legal entities.
Applicants must be established in:
- EU Member States
- Overseas countries and territories
- Countries associated with the CEF Programme
Eligible applicants may include rail infrastructure managers, public authorities, transport agencies, port-related bodies, private infrastructure operators, and other legal entities involved in rail infrastructure development.
How the Call Works
The European Commission provides funding for eligible rail infrastructure projects that support the TEN-T core network.
Applicants submit proposals explaining the project scope, infrastructure need, eligible activities, technical compliance, expected transport benefits, and contribution to European connectivity.
Projects should demonstrate clear value for sustainable passenger or freight mobility and should show how they support TEN-T priorities.
How to Apply
Applicants should first confirm that the proposed project is located on or directly linked to the TEN-T core network.
They should then determine whether the proposal is for studies, works, or a combination of both.
The application should clearly describe the rail infrastructure to be developed, constructed, upgraded, or studied.
Applicants should also explain how the project supports cross-border links, missing links, high-speed rail, multimodal connections, port hinterland access, or rail-air integration.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm that the project is linked to the TEN-T core network.
- Identify whether the proposal includes studies, works, or both.
- If combining studies and works, ensure that each component addresses different sections or activities.
- Define the rail infrastructure challenge or missing connection.
- Explain how the project improves passenger or freight mobility.
- Show how the project supports high-speed rail where relevant.
- Describe links with inland waterways, maritime transport, ports, or air transport networks where applicable.
- Confirm compliance with Directive (EU) 2016/797.
- Confirm compliance with applicable Technical Specifications for Interoperability.
- Explain how cross-border operational procedures will be aligned where relevant.
- Ensure that supported infrastructure will be accessible to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.
- Remove ineligible activities such as ERTMS deployment, radio systems, rolling stock, and general railway station costs.
- Submit the application through the official European Commission or CEF Programme process.
Why It Matters
Rail transport is central to Europe’s transition toward cleaner, more efficient, and better-connected mobility.
Modern rail infrastructure can reduce transport emissions, improve cross-border passenger travel, strengthen freight movement, and reduce reliance on road and short-haul air transport.
This call matters because it supports the development of strategic rail infrastructure on the TEN-T core network.
By funding high-speed rail, missing links, cross-border connections, port hinterland access, and multimodal integration, the programme helps create a more sustainable European transport system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting projects that are not clearly connected to the TEN-T core network.
Proposals should not include ineligible activities such as trackside ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, Class A radio communication systems, Class B systems, or rolling stock.
Applicants should not include general railway station costs unless specific eligible rail infrastructure components are presented as separate work packages.
Combined study and works proposals should not cover the same section or activity under both components.
Applicants should avoid weak explanations of interoperability compliance.
Projects should also avoid unclear access arrangements that do not demonstrate non-discriminatory use of funded infrastructure.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should clearly explain how the project strengthens the TEN-T core rail network.
Applicants should show the project’s contribution to cross-border connectivity, missing link completion, high-speed rail, multimodal transport, or port hinterland access.
The proposal should include a clear technical scope, implementation plan, and expected transport benefits.
Applicants should provide strong evidence of sustainability benefits, including reduced emissions, better freight efficiency, or improved passenger mobility.
Projects with cross-border relevance should clearly explain operational alignment and interoperability.
The application should also show that funded infrastructure will be available to all operators on fair and non-discriminatory terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of this European Commission rail infrastructure call?
The call supports the development of rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network to improve connectivity, efficiency, interoperability, and sustainable mobility across Europe.
2. How much funding is available?
The total available funding for this call is €350,000,000.
3. What types of activities can be supported?
The call supports works, studies, or a combination of both, provided that study and works components address separate sections or activities.
4. What are the main priorities of the call?
The main priorities include cross-border rail links, missing rail links, high-speed rail development, rail connections with inland waterways and maritime transport, port hinterland connections, and rail-air transport integration.
5. Are railway stations eligible?
Railway stations are generally not eligible, except for specific railway infrastructure components that are presented as separate work packages.
6. What activities are excluded?
The call excludes trackside ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, Class A radio communication systems including 5G, FRMCS and GSM-R, Class B systems, rolling stock, and general railway station funding.
7. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include public and private legal entities established in EU Member States, overseas countries and territories, and countries associated with the CEF Programme.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s rail infrastructure call provides €350,000,000 to support the development of rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network.
The call funds studies and works that strengthen cross-border links, close missing rail connections, support high-speed rail, improve multimodal integration, and enhance sustainable passenger and freight mobility.
Applicants should ensure their proposals are TEN-T aligned, technically compliant, free from ineligible activities, accessible on a non-discriminatory basis, and clearly focused on improving Europe’s rail transport network.
For more information, visit European Commission.
