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

September 24, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)

Up to €7,620,000 for this call; single-stage; project sizes may vary.

Grant for innovative research and demonstration projects advancing near-zero-carbon, sustainable steel production and applications in line with the European Green Deal.

Proposals must assess anticipated industrial, economic, social, and environmental benefits.

--- ## Description This grant supports research and technological development projects that aim to transform the steel sector towards near-zero-carbon production processes, fully aligned with the European Green Deal objectives. The focus is on developing, demonstrating, and improving sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes, optimizing process chains, boosting energy efficiency, increasing recyclability, and integrating advanced digital and automation technologies. Projects may also target the creation of advanced steel grades, prolonging product service life, and promoting circular economy principles within steel production and utilization. Workforce management, lifelong learning, and improved working conditions are also eligible areas, supporting a just transition to innovative, environmentally friendly steelmaking. --- ## Due Dates - **Opening date:** June 18, 2025 - **Deadline:** September 24, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available for this call:** €7,620,000 (RFCS-2025-02-PDP) - **Type of action:** RFCS Project Grants (single-stage) - **Project size:** No strict upper/lower limit; projects are expected to be commensurate with the scope and ambition of the call. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - Legal entities established in EU Member States and associated countries (see [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/rfcs/wp-call/2025/call-fiche_rfcs-2025_en.pdf), section 6). - Typically includes research organizations, universities, companies, and consortia. - **Other conditions:** - Proposals must comply with admissibility and eligibility conditions outlined in the call document. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity (see section 7 of the call document). --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** - Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/RFCS-2025-02-PDP?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Single-stage submission process. - **Required documents:** - Application form (template available in the Submission System) - Detailed budget table - Any supporting documents as specified 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:** - Proposals are evaluated based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. - See award criteria in section 9 of the call document. --- ## Additional Information - Each proposal must include an assessment of anticipated industrial, economic, social, and environmental benefits. - Projects should address one or more of the following areas: - Near-zero-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes - Process chain optimization and digitalization - Advanced steel grades and applications - Resource conservation, environmental protection, and circular economy - Workforce management and working conditions - For detailed guidance, refer to the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/RFCS-2025-02-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) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal 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 | Purpose | Contact/Link | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | FAQ & Support | [Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) | ---

RFCS-2025 Steel Pilot and Demonstration Projects

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