Today, the Council of the EU adopted two Decisions reforming the Research Fund for Coal and Steel. The reform strengthens and simplifies the Research Programme of this self-standing programme, securing substantial investments for the decarbonisation and clean transition of the coal and steel sectors until 2034 and thus strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
As announced in the Steel and Metals Action Plan of March 2025, the reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel aims to simplify and boost investments in steel research and maintain robust production in Europe. It also provides funding for coal-dependent regions to support the transition away from coal. The Fund helps to de-risk investments in research, innovation and decarbonisation projects, and to maintain Europe’s technological and industrial leadership.
The revised Research Fund for Coal and Steel allows for:
- higher annual allocations of up to €120 million, enabling ambitious work programmes over the period 2027-2034
- higher co-funding rates, aligned with those proposed for the Horizon Europe research and innovation funding programme 2028-2034: up to 70% for industry participants and up to 100% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations
This will not only increase the attractiveness of the Fund, but also simplify the overall EU funding landscape, making it easier for potential beneficiaries to navigate.
Background
The research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel co-finances projects in the areas of steel decarbonisation and coal transition through research and innovation grants. These projects are industry-led, with a strong participation from universities and research centres. The programme is funded from the remaining assets and revenues generated by the former European Coal and Steel Community. As provided by Protocol n°37 annexed to the Treaties, these funds are used exclusively for research, outside the research framework programme, in the sectors related to the coal and steel industry.
