The European Commission has opened the EU-RAIL JU Call Proposals 2025-02, an Innovation Action under Horizon Europe. The call focuses on developing sustainable, energy-efficient and resilient railway technologies that enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and modernise Europe’s rail system.
It builds on previous research, including FP4-Rail4Earth, and aims to deliver integrated demonstrators by 2028,
covering energy systems, hydrogen solutions, smart-grid management, resilient infrastructure, eco-design and next-generation rolling-stock technologies.
Priority Areas
The call supports innovations in the following domains:
- alternative energy solutions for rolling stock (BEMU, hydrogen hybrid trains);
- universal hydrogen refuelling interface and optimisation algorithms;
- smart-grid energy management for traction and stations;
- noise and vibration reduction, climate-resilient infrastructure;
- eco-design and circularity tools for rail assets;
- advances in braking, pantographs, bogies, gearboxes and sustainable materials;
- HVAC systems using green refrigerants and improved energy efficiency;
- modular interiors, improved accessibility and enhanced passenger comfort.
Expected Results
By 2028, selected projects must demonstrate practical solutions, including:
- BEMU trains with autonomy of 80–200 km (TRL 7/8);
- hydrogen hybrid trains for freight, passengers and inspection tasks (TRL 7);
- rail power smart-grid concepts integrating energy storage (TRL 6/8);
- resilient, low-noise infrastructure technologies (TRL 6/7);
- HVAC innovations using green refrigerants (TRL 7);
- electro-mechanical braking systems and pantographs (TRL 7/9);
- modular interiors and enhanced on-demand passenger comfort (TRL 7/8);
- air-quality improvement solutions for stations, tunnels and trains (TRL 7/9).
Important Dates
Opening date: 30 October 2025
Deadline: 11 February 2026, 17:00 Brussels time
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. All official documentation, templates and eligibility rules are provided here: Official EU-RAIL Call Page
The full structured description of this and other funding opportunities is available on the GetGrant service — the platform that helps researchers, NGOs, institutions, and businesses navigate international grants efficiently.