A proposal is under preparation for the European Commission’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that includes a dedicated €3 billion research and innovation programme focused on rail.
Focus areas: from existing platforms to new applications
The proposed programme would build on technologies developed through previous and ongoing joint undertakings, such as Shift2Rail and Europe’s Rail. Technologies in focus include the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS), and Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). These systems are at various stages of maturity and have already been tested or partially deployed across European networks.
A key objective is to expand on these platforms while also creating conditions for new applications, such as Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and other digital solutions. The investment is described as a means to continue development and support the gradual transition from research to pre-deployment across the EU rail system.
Industrial base and supply chain considerations
The proposal reflects broader concerns over maintaining industrial capacity within the EU, especially given ongoing disruptions to global supply chains. It highlights the importance of maintaining control over the development and production of core railway technologies within Europe. With European rolling stock and signalling suppliers maintaining a strong export position, the research agenda is viewed as a component of industrial resilience.
The framework is positioned within wider discussions on European economic competitiveness, including topics addressed in the Draghi Report. Rail is referenced in the context of digital and green transitions, particularly in relation to decarbonisation targets and transport modal shift policies.
Linking research and deployment
In parallel with the research funding request, an additional proposal is being formulated for a pre-deployment roadmap. This would aim to accelerate the uptake of key technologies – such as FRMCS, DAC, ATO and ERTMS – across operational networks within the EU. The roadmap is intended to create the technical and financial structure required to scale these systems beyond the pilot phase.
Deployment would connect to long-term EU transport objectives, including the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and progress towards the Single European Railway Area (SERA). The research investment would also be positioned as one of the enabling tools for meeting the EU’s 2050 climate goals, including a projected 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
Timeline and political process
The funding allocation would be subject to negotiations as part of the broader MFF process and is expected to be addressed during the upcoming discussions around FP10. The outcome will influence both the pace and direction of research activities for the next decade, as well as the capacity for industrial implementation across the EU rail sector.
