Opened
Programme Category
EU Competitive Programmes
Programme Name
Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS)
Programme Description
The RFCS project has the following research objectives for the coal sector:
- Supporting the equitable transition of the coal sector and regions;
- Improving health and safety.
- Minimizing the environmental impact of coal mines in transition.
Identifier Code
RFCS-2026-BT-Coal
Call
RFCS-2026-Big Tickets-Coal
Summary
Proposals should relate to at least one of the following research objectives for the coal sector:
- supporting the just transition of the coal sector and regions;
- improving health and safety;
- minimising the environmental impacts of coal mines in transition.
Detailed Call Description
Proposals must also relate to at least one of the following specific call objectives:
- Repurposing formerly operating coal and lignite mines, those in the process of closure, and coal-related infrastructure, including power supply services
- Materials and waste reuse, and development of alternative materials, including the recovery of critical raw materials
- Land monitoring, modelling, stabilisation and/or restoration
- Processing of methane emissions
- Monitoring, management and/or treatment of mine water and water tables in coal mines in the process of closure and formerly operating mines
Scope:
- Applicants may submit proposals for either pilot or demonstration projects (see Articles 15 and 16 of Council Decision (EU) 2008/376/EC).
- Activities are expected to achieve technology readiness level 7-8 (TRL 7-8).
- Research must be in line with the goals of the Just Transition Mechanism.
- Proposals must demonstrate support for the social and economic revitalisation of former coal mining regions.
- Proposals may include activities for reskilling and upskilling programmes and improved working conditions.
Call Total Budget
€35.000.000
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
50%
Thematic Categories
- Education and training
- Environment and Climate Change
- Other Services
- Other Thematic Category
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Social Affairs & Human Rights
Eligibility for Participation
- Educational Institutions
- Legal Entities
- NGOs
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies, e.g. undertakings, public bodies, research organisations, higher or secondary education establishments or other legal entities) which carry out an RTD activity or substantially contribute to such an activity
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs))
- non-EU countries :
- countries associated to the RFCS (list of participating countries).
Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register — before submitting the proposal — and will have to be validated by the Central Validation Service (REA Validation). For the validation, they will be requested to upload documents showing legal status and origin.
Call Opening Date
17/02/2026
Call Closing Date
06/05/2026