According to a report by KoWi, the Council of the European Union has approved the reform proposal regarding the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). This reform will enable future-oriented R&I projects in the coal, steel, and other energy-intensive industrial sectors, as well as structural transformation projects in European coal-mining regions.
The RCFS reform will provide annual funding allocations of up to €120 million for the period 2027–2034 and increase co-funding rates (70% for industry stakeholders; 100% for SMEs and NGOs).
In most cases, RCFS consortia are led by industry stakeholders. Universities and research institutions are often involved as project partners. Feel free to contact ZEUSS if you are considering participating in an RCFS project: https://zeuss-saxony.de/contact/#employees
Click here to access the KoWi newsletter from July 10, 2026 (in German): https://294962.seu2.cleverreach.com/m/17236516/574760-8266a24566efbc7df6be58c97b29a0f3c0f7d41f4c0808f2e83d8e635ad27436048358d913794ac86e209393d966f216#research1
The press release from the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (RTD) can be found here: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and-innovation-news/adoption-reform-research-fund-coal-and-steel-2026-06-29_en