[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 24, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)

€2,880,000 total budget for this topic; single-stage call

Funding for projects supporting coal sector transition, environmental restoration, and worker reskilling in line with EU climate-neutrality goals by 2050.

Proposals must demonstrate industrial, economic, social, and environmental benefits aligned with the European Green Deal.

--- ## Description This call supports research and innovation projects that facilitate the transition of the coal sector and coal regions towards a climate-neutral EU economy by 2050. It targets the phasing out of fossil fuels, development of alternative activities on former mine sites, mitigation of environmental damage from coal mines in closure or previously operating, and the reskilling of workers affected by the transition. Projects can address technological and non-technological solutions, including carbon capture, geothermal energy, new uses for mining waste, repurposing infrastructure, and restoration of natural resources. Additional priorities include improving health and safety in closing mines, addressing mining-related diseases, and minimizing environmental impacts such as pollution and methane emissions. The program aims to deliver tangible climate and environmental benefits while strengthening European leadership in managing the transition of coal regions. --- ## Due Dates - Proposal submission deadline: September 24, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) - Call opened: June 18, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: €2,880,000 - Funding is provided as RFCS Project Grants (RFCS-PJG), single-stage application process. - Typical project sizes and number of awards are not specified; refer to the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_rfcs-2025_en.pdf) for further details. --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by legal entities established in eligible countries (EU Member States and associated countries; see section 6 of the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_rfcs-2025_en.pdf)). - Projects must address at least one of the following: transition of the coal sector, environmental restoration, worker reskilling, health and safety in coal regions, or minimization of environmental impacts from coal activities. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity (see section 7 of the call document). --- ## Application Process - Submission is single-stage via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/RFCS-2025-01-PDP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Required documents include the standard application form, detailed budget, and supporting documents as described in the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_rfcs-2025_en.pdf). - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds are detailed in section 9 of the call document. - Proposals must include an assessment of anticipated industrial, economic, social, and environmental benefits. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should align with the European Green Deal and support a just transition for coal-dependent regions. - Preference will be given to proposals that focus on innovative solutions for environmental restoration, pollution reduction (including methane emissions), waste management, and protection of natural resources. - Health and safety improvements for workers and communities in coal regions are a key priority. - Reference documents, application templates, and model grant agreements are available via the [call documents page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/RFCS-2025-01-PDP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Call Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/RFCS-2025-01-PDP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_rfcs-2025_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/temp-form/af/af_rfcs_en.pdf) - [Detailed Budget Table (Excel)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_rfcs_en.xlsx) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [General FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General Contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | IT Helpdesk | [Funding & Tenders IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Portal Support/FAQ | [Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) |

RFCS-2025 Coal Pilot and Demonstration Projects

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