RFCS 2025 Steel Call: EU Funding for Sustainable Steel Research – Deadline 24 September

The Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) has launched its 2025 Steel Call, offering €29 million for innovative projects in clean and sustainable steel. Proposals must be submitted by 24 September 2025.

A Brief History of RFCS

The Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) traces its roots to the historic Treaty of the European Coal and Steel Community. When this treaty expired in 2002, its remaining resources were repurposed by the EU to establish RFCS as a dedicated funding program. Since then, RFCS has supported collaborative research in coal and steel—typically directing around €55 million annually to universities, research centers, and private companies European Research Executive Agencynew.regione.vda.it+12Wikipedia+12Perin+12.

As part of the European Green Deal, RFCS plays a pivotal role in modernizing heavy industries. It supports decarbonization, circular economy practices, innovation, and fair regional transitions, especially in areas traditionally dependent on coal.

2025 Annual Call for Proposals – Steel Component

The RFCS 2025 Annual Call opened on 18 June 2025, with a submission deadline on 24 September 2025 at 17:00 CET (Brussels time) estep.eu+4Research and innovation+4new.regione.vda.it+4. A dedicated Info Day was held on 3 July 2025, both in Brussels and online, helping prospective applicants understand the key topics and submission process LinkedIn+8European Research Executive Agency+8estep.eu+8.

Budget Allocation

The total 2025 call budget is €40 million, allocated across steel and coal funding streams European Research Executive Agency+14European Research Executive Agency+14new.regione.vda.it+14.

For steel, the breakdown includes:

• Accompanying Measures (AM): €1 million

• Research Projects (RPJ): €20.5 million

• Pilot & Demonstration Projects (PDP): €7.62 million
  This distribution underscores a strong focus on R&D as well as practical implementation Perin+9estep.eu+9www2.fundsforngos.org+9https://www.nks-dit.de/+12new.regione.vda.it+12estep.eu+12.

Topic Areas & Objectives

Proposals should align with core RFCS priorities in steel:

• Clean and low-carbon steelmaking methods

• Advanced steel grades and new applications

• Resource efficiency, circular economy, environmental protection

• Digitalization, workforce enhancement, and social innovation https://www.nks-dit.de/+15fundingprogrammesportal.gov.cy+15www2.fundsforngos.org+15

Who Can Apply and What to Expect

Eligible applicants include consortia composed of at least two independent legal entities from two different EU Member States or associated countries Grants Finder AI. Ideal teams feature a mix of universities, R&D centers, industry partners, SMEs, and digital or energy providers.

Proposals can cover expenses between 50% and 100% of total eligible costs depending on the type of action.

Evaluation focuses on:

1. Excellence – Innovation, credibility, alignment with RFCS objectives

2. Impact – Contribution to the Green Deal and EU policy goals

3. Implementation Quality – Feasibility, team strength, planning

Why It Matters

The RFCS 2025 Steel Call is a crucial opportunity for innovators aiming to accelerate the transformation of European steelmaking. From clean technologies to workforce development, these projects help make the steel sector greener, smarter, and more circular. With the deadline approaching fast, now is the moment to assemble strong consortia and submit compelling proposals.