Deadline: 06-Oct-2026
The European Commission is inviting applications under the CEF-T-2026-CORECOEN-RAIL-WORKS call to support the development and modernisation of rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network. The call has a total budget of €260,000,000 and supports studies, works, or mixed projects that improve cross-border rail links, missing rail connections, multimodal interconnections, port hinterland links, and high-speed rail development.
Eligible applicants must generally be public or private legal entities established in Member States eligible for Cohesion Fund support. Projects must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/797 and relevant Technical Specifications for Interoperability, while certain activities such as railway stations, ERTMS deployment, interlockings, radio systems, Class B systems, and rolling stock are not eligible.
What is the CEF-T Rail Works Call?
The CEF-T-2026-CORECOEN-RAIL-WORKS call is a European Commission funding opportunity for rail infrastructure projects on the TEN-T core network.
The call supports the construction, upgrading, and modernisation of rail links that improve connectivity, interoperability, and sustainability across Europe’s transport system.
It is part of the Connecting Europe Facility for Transport, which supports strategic transport infrastructure that strengthens the European transport network.
Main Purpose of the Call
The main purpose of the call is to support rail transport infrastructure that improves the performance and connectivity of the TEN-T core network.
The call aims to remove missing links, strengthen cross-border rail connections, improve multimodal links, and encourage more sustainable transport options.
Particular priority is given to projects that support the development of high-speed rail.
Total Funding Available
The total funding available under the CEF-T-2026-CORECOEN-RAIL-WORKS call is €260,000,000.
Funding may support:
- Studies
- Works
- A combination of studies and works
For mixed projects, study and work activities must address different sections or different activities.
Focus Areas and Priorities
The call focuses on rail infrastructure modernisation and sustainable transport connectivity.
Key focus areas include:
- Rail transport infrastructure
- TEN-T core network development
- Cross-border rail links
- Missing rail links
- Rail infrastructure upgrading
- High-speed rail development
- Rail and inland waterway interconnections
- Rail and maritime transport interconnections
- Port hinterland connections
- Multimodal transport integration
- High-speed rail and air transport integration
- Sustainable feeder connections for long-haul flights
- Cross-border operating procedures
- Transport efficiency
- Rail interoperability
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 and infrastructure that connect major cities, ports, airports, railways, roads, and inland waterways across Europe.
Under this call, projects must support rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network.
Cross-Border Rail Links
Cross-border rail links connect railway infrastructure between two or more countries.
These links are important for improving international passenger and freight transport, reducing bottlenecks, and strengthening European connectivity.
Missing Rail Links
Missing rail links are gaps in the railway network that limit connectivity, efficiency, or continuity.
Projects that construct or upgrade missing links can improve access, reduce travel times, and support more sustainable transport flows.
Port Hinterland Connections
Port hinterland connections are transport links between ports and inland areas.
Rail-based hinterland connections help move freight more efficiently between maritime ports, inland terminals, logistics centres, and wider transport networks.
High-Speed Rail
High-speed rail refers to rail systems designed for faster passenger movement over medium and long distances.
This call gives particular priority to high-speed rail because it can reduce reliance on short-haul flights and support cleaner transport alternatives.
Multimodal Transport
Multimodal transport connects different transport modes, such as rail, inland waterways, maritime transport, and air transport.
This call supports projects that improve interconnections between rail and other modes to create more efficient and sustainable transport systems.
What Types of Projects are Supported?
The call supports infrastructure projects that develop or modernise rail transport on the TEN-T core network.
Supported projects may include:
- Construction of cross-border rail links
- Upgrading of cross-border rail links
- Construction of missing rail links
- Upgrading of missing rail links
- Improvements to rail connections with inland waterways
- Improvements to rail connections with maritime transport
- Port hinterland rail infrastructure
- High-speed rail infrastructure
- Rail links that support sustainable connections to long-haul air transport
- Infrastructure that improves rail network efficiency
- Projects that align cross-border operating procedures where applicable
Eligible Activity Types
Funding may support different forms of project activity.
Eligible activity types include:
- Studies
- Works
- Combined study and works projects
If a project combines studies and works, the study activities and work activities must relate to different sections or different activities.
This requirement helps ensure that each funded component has a clear and separate purpose.
Compliance Requirements
Projects must comply with EU railway interoperability requirements.
Applicants must ensure compliance with:
- Directive (EU) 2016/797
- Relevant Technical Specifications for Interoperability
Where applicable, supported infrastructure should also help align cross-border operating procedures.
This alignment is important for improving efficiency, reducing operational barriers, and supporting seamless railway transport across borders.
Activities Not Eligible for Funding
The call does not support all rail-related activities.
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
- Class B systems
- Rolling stock
Applicants should ensure that their proposal does not include ineligible activities as core funding requests.
Railway Station Restrictions
Railway stations are generally not supported under this call.
However, specific railway infrastructure components linked to stations may be considered if they are presented as separate work packages.
Applicants should clearly separate any eligible infrastructure components from general station-related costs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants and affiliated entities must generally be legal entities.
They may be:
- Public legal entities
- Private legal entities
They must be established in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund.
International organisations are also eligible.
Natural persons are generally not eligible, except for self-employed sole traders where the company does not have legal personality separate from the natural person.
Exceptional Participation Rules
Entities without legal personality may participate only under exceptional circumstances.
They must be able to:
- Undertake legal obligations
- Provide adequate guarantees for protecting EU financial interests
Entities from other countries may also participate exceptionally if their involvement is considered essential for implementing the action.
EU bodies cannot participate in the consortium, except for the European Commission Joint Research Centre.
Registration Requirements
Applicants must register in the Participant Register before submitting their proposals.
They must also complete validation by the Central Validation Service.
This registration and validation process confirms the applicant’s legal and administrative status before funding can be awarded.
How the Call Works
The European Commission provides funding for eligible rail infrastructure projects that support the TEN-T core network.
Applicants prepare proposals that explain the project’s objectives, infrastructure scope, eligible activities, expected transport benefits, compliance with interoperability rules, and contribution to sustainable European transport.
Projects may focus on studies, works, or separate study and works components.
The strongest proposals will demonstrate clear network relevance, technical readiness, sustainability benefits, and alignment with call 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 confirm that the project activity fits the eligible categories of studies, works, or a combination of both.
Applicants must check that their organisation is eligible and complete registration in the Participant Register.
They should also ensure validation through the Central Validation Service before submitting the proposal.
The application should clearly describe the rail infrastructure to be built, upgraded, or studied, and explain how it contributes to the TEN-T core network.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm that the project supports rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network.
- Identify whether the project is a study, works project, or combined study and works project.
- If combining studies and works, ensure they address different sections or activities.
- Confirm that the applicant is an eligible public or private legal entity.
- Register the applicant in the Participant Register.
- Complete validation through the Central Validation Service.
- Check compliance with Directive (EU) 2016/797 and relevant Technical Specifications for Interoperability.
- Define the project’s contribution to cross-border links, missing links, port connections, multimodal integration, or high-speed rail.
- Exclude ineligible activities such as ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, radio systems, Class B systems, rolling stock, and general railway station costs.
- Prepare separate work packages where specific eligible railway infrastructure components are linked to stations.
- Explain expected transport, environmental, and network efficiency benefits.
- Submit the proposal through the official European Commission application process.
Why It Matters
Rail infrastructure is central to Europe’s transition toward cleaner, more efficient, and better-connected transport.
Modern rail links can reduce transport emissions, improve passenger and freight movement, strengthen cross-border connectivity, and support sustainable alternatives to road and air travel.
The call is especially important because it prioritises high-speed rail and stronger multimodal connections.
By supporting rail links with ports, inland waterways, maritime transport, and air transport networks, the programme helps create a more integrated and sustainable European transport system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting projects that are not clearly linked to the TEN-T core network.
Projects should not include ineligible activities such as trackside ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, radio communication systems, Class B systems, or rolling stock.
Applicants should not include general railway station development unless specific eligible infrastructure components are separated into distinct work packages.
Combined study and works proposals should not cover the same section or activity with both components unless the call rules allow it.
Applicants should not overlook interoperability requirements under Directive (EU) 2016/797 and the relevant Technical Specifications for Interoperability.
Organisations should not submit proposals before completing the required Participant Register and validation process.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should clearly show how the project improves the TEN-T core rail network.
Applicants should explain the project’s role in closing missing links, strengthening cross-border connections, improving port hinterland access, or supporting high-speed rail.
The proposal should include a clear technical scope, realistic timeline, and strong justification for EU funding.
Projects should demonstrate sustainability benefits, such as reduced emissions, improved multimodal transport, and better integration between rail and other transport modes.
Applicants should also show how the project supports operational efficiency, especially in cross-border contexts where aligned procedures may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CEF-T-2026-CORECOEN-RAIL-WORKS call?
It is a European Commission funding call that supports the development and modernisation of rail transport infrastructure on the TEN-T core network.
2. How much funding is available?
The total funding available under the call is €260,000,000.
3. What types of projects can be funded?
The call can support studies, works, or a combination of studies and works, provided that study and work activities address different sections or activities.
4. What are the main priorities of the call?
The main priorities include cross-border rail links, missing rail links, interconnections with inland waterways and maritime transport, port hinterland connections, high-speed rail, and sustainable feeder links between high-speed rail and long-haul air transport.
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 not eligible?
Activities related to trackside ERTMS deployment, electronic interlockings, Class A radio communication systems, Class B systems, and rolling stock are not eligible.
7. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are generally public or private legal entities established in Member States eligible for Cohesion Fund support. International organisations may also be eligible, while natural persons are generally not eligible except for specific self-employed sole trader cases.
Conclusion
The CEF-T-2026-CORECOEN-RAIL-WORKS call provides major European Commission funding for rail infrastructure development on the TEN-T core network.
With €260,000,000 available, the call supports studies, works, and eligible mixed projects that improve cross-border rail links, missing links, multimodal connections, port hinterland access, and high-speed rail development.
Applicants should ensure that their projects are technically compliant, clearly linked to TEN-T priorities, free from ineligible activities, and supported by strong evidence of transport, environmental, and network benefits.
For more information, visit European Commission.
