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The European Commission is inviting proposals under Horizon Europe to improve the competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, and efficiency of multimodal freight transport and logistics systems across Europe. The programme supports the development and large-scale demonstration of interoperable digital solutions, real-time tracking tools, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and synchromodal logistics models that strengthen European supply chains and encourage a shift from road transport to more sustainable multimodal transport options.

With a total budget of €20 million and an expected contribution of approximately €6.5 million per project, the initiative aims to enhance freight transport capacity, improve disruption management, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen the resilience of European logistics networks.

What is the Multimodal Freight Transport and Logistics Programme?

The European Commission is supporting research and innovation projects that improve the performance of multimodal freight transport systems by integrating different transport modes such as rail, road, inland waterways, and short sea shipping.

The initiative seeks to address growing freight demand, supply chain disruptions, and sustainability challenges by promoting smarter, more connected, and more resilient logistics operations across Europe.

Funding Details

Programme Objectives

Projects should contribute to the following objectives:

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports projects addressing:

Why This Programme Matters

Freight transport demand across Europe is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

Despite efforts to encourage the use of:

Road transport continues to dominate because of its flexibility and competitiveness.

The programme seeks to overcome barriers that prevent wider adoption of multimodal transport by improving connectivity, data sharing, and operational efficiency throughout freight supply chains.

Challenges the Programme Seeks to Address

Current challenges include:

Expected Project Activities

Projects are expected to develop and demonstrate innovative solutions that improve multimodal logistics performance.

Activities may include:

Real-Time Visibility and Tracking Solutions

Projects should improve visibility throughout multimodal supply chains.

Solutions may support:

Expected benefits include:

Artificial Intelligence and IoT Applications

The programme encourages the use of advanced technologies, including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Potential applications include:

Internet of Things (IoT)

Potential applications include:

These technologies can improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Synchromodal Transport Solutions

Projects should explore the use of synchromodality, which allows freight to switch between different transport modes based on real-time operational conditions.

Benefits may include:

Applicants are encouraged to examine opportunities within:

Data Integration and Interoperability

A major focus of the programme is improving access to multimodal transport information.

Projects should:

Stakeholders may include:

Disruption Management and Supply Chain Resilience

Projects should improve the ability of logistics systems to respond to disruptions.

Examples include:

Expected activities include:

Multimodal Freight Use Cases

Applicants are expected to define practical use cases covering:

The use cases should demonstrate how multimodal transport can improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Large-Scale Pilot Demonstrations

Projects must validate proposed solutions through:

Pilot projects should involve:

Industrial Sector Participation

Projects are encouraged to involve multiple sectors, including:

Business Models and Modal Shift

Projects should develop collaborative business models that encourage a transition from road transport to multimodal freight solutions.

Expected outcomes include:

Regulatory Analysis and Policy Recommendations

Applicants should examine:

Projects should provide recommendations that:

Expected Outcomes

Economic Outcomes

Projects should contribute to:

Environmental Outcomes

Expected environmental benefits include:

Resilience Outcomes

Projects should support:

Who Can Apply?

Participation is open to:

Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe eligibility requirements.

Registration Requirements

Applicants must:

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Review Horizon Europe participation requirements and ensure eligibility.

Step 2: Build a Consortium

Develop a consortium that includes expertise in:

Step 3: Develop the Project Concept

Define:

Step 4: Design Pilot Demonstrations

Plan two large-scale demonstrations along major European freight corridors.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit the Proposal

Submit a complete proposal including:

Common Proposal Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is funding this programme?

The programme is funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe.

What is the total budget available?

The total budget allocated is €20 million.

How much funding can a project receive?

The indicative EU contribution is approximately €6.5 million per project.

What is synchromodality?

Synchromodality is a logistics approach that allows freight to move dynamically between different transport modes based on real-time operational conditions and network performance.

Are pilot demonstrations required?

Yes. Projects must conduct two large-scale demonstrations along major European freight transport corridors.

Which technologies are encouraged?

The programme encourages AI, IoT, predictive analytics, smart container technologies, digital logistics platforms, and interoperable data-sharing solutions.

Can organizations outside the EU participate?

Yes. Eligible legal entities from non-associated third countries and international organizations may participate if Horizon Europe conditions are met.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s Multimodal Freight Transport and Logistics Programme supports the development of innovative digital solutions that improve the competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of European freight transport systems. By combining AI, IoT, predictive analytics, synchromodal transport models, and large-scale pilot demonstrations, the initiative aims to accelerate the transition toward smarter, more connected, and more sustainable multimodal logistics networks across Europe.

For more information, visit EC.

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