From 2026, the Research Fund for Coal and Steel will support defence-related projects, reflecting a broader shift in EU policy
Photo credits: venusvi / BigStock
The EU’s Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) will start funding dual-use projects in 2026, reflecting a broader shift in EU policy priorities.
While no changes will be made to the fund’s coal-related research calls, for steel “we need really to enter in the priorities of the new Commission” and line up with its initiatives, said Sebastiano Fumero, head of unit at the European Commission’s Research Executive Agency, at the info day for the 2025 call for proposals.
The RFCS is rooted in the EU’s green deal and clean technology priorities, with much of the funding contributing to the development of technologies for more sustainable steel production. With the bloc now trying to boost defence investment, allowing dual-use projects is a further alignment of…
Discover the latest in research funding every Tuesday with Funding Newswire. Dive into detailed articles with our monthly or yearly subscriptions or start with a free trial
NOTE: if you're a part of one of our Network member organisations, you get free access by signing up with your institutional email. Verify your eligibility here.
Receive the Funding Newswire [full access requires a subscription] each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and news about bridging Europe’s east-west innovation gap twice a month in The Widening. 
A unique international forum for public research organisations and companies to connect their external engagement with strategic interests around their R&D system.